José Andrés is one of the spanish chefs the most popular in the world. In fact, “Time” magazine named him one of the “100 Most Influential People” twice. In addition, he is also known for the excellent humanitarian work he does with his … NGO World Central Cuisinededicated to helping disadvantaged areas and victims of disasters.
For three decades, José Andrés has lived in the United States, a country where more than twenty of his restaurants are located. And the chef managed to conquer the Americans’ palate with places like Barmini, Jaleo, China Chilcano, Mercado Little Spain, Pepe or Zaytinialocated in cities like New York and Washington DC
With his NGO World Central Kitchen, José Andrés has collaborated by serving meals during tragedies such as the covid-19 pandemic, the wars in Ukraine or Gaza or in the DANA from Valencia.
The work with his NGO earned him the Princess of Asturias Award of Concord in 2021 Four years earlier, he had received the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Artsgranted by the Spanish government.
The best city to eat in Spain
The popular chef is passionate about Spanish gastronomy. Above all, the cuisine of a province in the south of the country: Cadiz. Precisely, in July 2024, José Andrés received the “Adoption Cádiz” award, awarded by ABC, La Voz de Cádiz and the Cajasol Foundation, in honor of those who, without being Cádiz by birth, demonstrate a deep love and commitment to this province.
And José Andrés is in love with the cuisine of Cádiz which, according to him, is the best in the world. “Like in Cadiz, we don’t eat anywhere”. “You don’t eat better anywhere, and not just because of the product, but also because of the stories behind it,” he said in his speech after receiving the award.
The Asturian chef is an important ambassador of the gastronomy of Cádiz, a province to which he is linked for various reasons. During his childhood, he spent several years between San Fernando and Cádiz. In addition, His wife, Patricia Fernández de la Cruz, is originally from Algeciras.
“Cadiz gave me many friendsas well as many adopted citizens of Cádiz, because they love this land like no one else. “Those from here and those of us who come from abroad,” he said at the awards ceremony. “Adoption Cadiz”.
José Andrés’ frequent visits to different restaurants in the province testify to his great passion for the cuisine of Cádiz. The chef is thus a regular customer of places like Balbino House (Sanlucar), The camper van (Barbate), the Food market (Zahara de los Atunes) or the Sale Pinto (Vejer’s Boat).
One of José Andrés’ favorite dishes in the cuisine of Cádiz is shrimp omelettes, the provincial dish par excellence. In addition, Cádiz stands out for other delicacies such as fried fish, bluefin tuna Almadraba de Barbate or Zahara de los Atunes, spicy garlic, sherry cabbage or game meat.
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