How I Built This Episode 10: Celebrity Chef: José Andrés

Summary

In this episode of 'How I Built This', host Guy Raz interviews renowned chef José Andrés, exploring his journey from his early days in Barcelona to establishing a restaurant empire that revolutionized American dining. Andrés, known for pioneering the small plates trend in the US, shares anecdotes from his culinary adventures, including his time at El Bulli and the philosophy behind his tapas restaurants. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, creativity, and the democratizing power of food, offering insights for aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jose Andres, a Spanish celebrity chef, is credited with starting the small plates movement in the US.
• 🚀 Jose's early culinary inspiration came from his father, who taught him the importance of controlling the fire in cooking.
• 👨‍🍳 Jose Andres faced challenges in school but found his passion in cooking, eventually working in high-end restaurants in Barcelona.
• 🌟 A pivotal moment in his career was meeting the legendary chef Ferran Adria, which led to working at the groundbreaking restaurant El Bulli.
• 🌿 Andres learned the value of creativity and innovation in the kitchen from his time at El Bulli, which influenced his approach to cooking.
• 🏙️ Upon arriving in New York, Andres found the city overwhelming and different from what he expected, which led to his move to Washington DC.
• 🍽️ Jose introduced the concept of tapas and shared plates to American diners, which was a new dining experience at the time.
• 🤝 He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people in business, highlighting his long-term partnership.
• 💡 Andres believes in the power of a team, mentioning his 'think food tank' that focuses on creativity and quality in his restaurants.
• 📚 He advises young people to learn business skills, reflecting on his own journey and the importance of education in his field.
• 🌍 Jose Andres sees food as a form of democracy, believing that what we eat and how we eat it can influence societal values.

Q & A

What is the significance of the small plates movement in the US as mentioned in the script?

The small plates movement, largely attributed to Jose Andres, has changed the way Americans eat out by popularizing the concept of ordering multiple dishes to share among a group, which was a new dining trend in the US over the past ten to fifteen years.

What was Jose Andres' initial role in his father's cooking?

Jose Andres was initially in charge of making the fire for his father's cookouts, learning the importance of controlling the fire as a foundational skill for cooking.

How did Jose Andres' experience in El Bulli influence his approach to cooking?

Working at El Bulli under Ferran Adrià, Jose Andres was part of a revolutionary culinary environment that encouraged creativity and innovation, leading to the development of molecular gastronomy.

What was the challenge Jose Andres faced when he first arrived in New York?

Upon his arrival in New York, Jose Andres was dropped off in the wrong location by a taxi driver and had to find his way to the restaurant he was supposed to work at with only $50 in his pocket.

Why did Jose Andres decide to open a Spanish restaurant in Washington DC?

Jose Andres was invited by his partners who had a vision of opening a Spanish restaurant. He joined them with the aim of opening Jaleo, introducing Spanish cuisine to the DC area.

What was unique about the tapas concept that Jose Andres introduced in Jaleo?

The tapas concept at Jaleo was unique because it emphasized sharing food as a central part of the dining experience, which was not common in American dining at the time.

How did Jose Andres handle the challenge of managing a busy kitchen as a young head chef?

Jose Andres drew upon his diverse experiences in various kitchens and learned to adapt to the high-volume environment of a tapas restaurant, focusing on precision and efficiency.

What advice does Jose Andres give to young chefs or entrepreneurs entering the food industry?

Jose Andres advises young chefs and entrepreneurs to have a strong business background, as he believes business acumen is crucial for success, regardless of the field they choose to pursue.

How does Jose Andres view the role of a chef in relation to the quality of their work?

Jose Andres believes that a chef is only as good as their last plate, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards and quality in every dish served.

What is the 'Think Food Group' and how does it function within Jose Andres' business model?

The 'Think Food Group' is Jose Andres' creative arm, consisting of a team dedicated to thinking, creating, and maintaining quality across his restaurants, acting as a research and development tool for his culinary ventures.

How does Jose Andres approach the concept of sharing plates in his restaurants?

Jose Andres encourages the sharing of plates by placing them in the middle of the table as a signal for communal dining. He also humorously suggests that moving a plate 20 inches towards oneself and brandishing a fork and knife can signal that one does not wish to share.