Podcasts > The Joe Rogan Experience > #2315 - José Andrés

#2315 - José Andrés

By Joe Rogan

In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, chef José Andrés traces his culinary journey from tending fires for his father's paella gatherings to his global experiences in the Spanish Navy. He shares insights about the restaurant industry's challenges, including the balance between culinary excellence and business management, while exploring the cultural significance of communal cooking and traditional wood-fired preparation methods.

The conversation extends beyond the kitchen as Andrés discusses his work with World Central Kitchen, which serves hundreds of thousands of meals daily in crisis zones. He explains his views on food security policy and describes how providing meals in disaster areas can help foster unity in affected communities. Throughout the discussion, Andrés illustrates how food serves as more than sustenance, acting as a bridge between cultures and people.

#2315 - José Andrés

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#2315 - José Andrés

1-Page Summary

José Andrés' Experiences With Food, Cooking, and Culture

José Andrés shares how his culinary journey began with childhood memories of his father's weekend paella gatherings. As a young boy, he was tasked with tending the fire—a foundational lesson that would later influence his cooking philosophy. His culinary education expanded during his service in the Spanish Navy, where he encountered diverse cuisines across the globe, from Brazil to the United States.

Significance of Food and Communal Cooking Practices

Through his humanitarian work, Andrés demonstrates how food transcends mere sustenance. He advocates for federal investment in school kitchens and emphasizes the profound connection that occurs when sharing meals. At his Mercado Little Spain in Manhattan, Andrés creates a bridge between his Spanish heritage and American culture, showcasing food's power to unite diverse communities.

Fire and Wood-Fired Cooking in José Andrés' Cuisine

Andrés' passion for open-fire cooking manifests in his restaurants and home, where custom wood-fired grills create immersive dining experiences. He values the rustic essence of cooking over open flames, whether using traditional terracotta pots or preparing dishes at his Las Vegas restaurant, Bazaar Meat, where the theatrical aspect of wood-fired cooking engages diners in the meal preparation process.

The Challenges and Complexities of the Restaurant Industry

Drawing from personal experience, Andrés discusses the difficult balance between culinary excellence and business management in restaurants. He acknowledges the industry's high failure rate and advocates for fair compensation for restaurant workers, noting that those who feed the nation often struggle to feed themselves due to low wages.

José Andrés' Humanitarian Work in Disaster Areas

Through World Central Kitchen, Andrés provides crucial aid in crisis zones, serving up to half a million meals daily in places like Ukraine, Gaza, and disaster-stricken areas of California. He emphasizes that food security should be a priority in policy-making, calling for a national food security advisor and government investment in food production capacities. Andrés believes that feeding people goes beyond survival, fostering unity and peace in communities affected by conflict and disaster.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can explore the cultural significance of food by starting a recipe journal with entries that detail the history and personal memories associated with each dish. For example, if you cook a family recipe, write down not just the ingredients but also any stories or traditions that come with it. This practice can deepen your appreciation for the meals you prepare and eat, much like the connection José Andrés has with his father's paella.
  • Create a communal dining experience by organizing a potluck where each participant brings a dish that is meaningful to them. Encourage guests to share the stories behind their dishes. This fosters a sense of community and connection through shared meals, reflecting the profound connections Andrés mentions.
  • Volunteer at a local community kitchen or food bank to contribute to food security in your area. By doing so, you're taking a step towards the kind of humanitarian work Andrés is involved in, and you're helping to ensure that those in need have access to nutritious meals. This can also be an opportunity to learn about the challenges and rewards of providing food aid on a smaller scale.

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#2315 - José Andrés

José Andrés' Experiences With Food, Cooking, and Culture

José Andrés shares his deep connection with food and cooking, rooted in his cultural heritage and global travels.

José Andrés on Formative Food Memories and Paella Gatherings

José Andrés recalls how his passion for culinary arts was kindled early on by family traditions and the craft's inherent artistry and storytelling.

José Andrés speaks warmly of his childhood memories, particularly of his father cooking paella for friends and family on weekends. He portrays his father as a passionate cook who was professionally a nurse but still gathered large groups for his paella feasts. José humorously recounts how his father dealt with an unexpected number of guests by simply adding more rice to the pan.

As a youngster, he was often tasked with making the fire for the paella, a job he found tiresome as he yearned to cook. Nevertheless, his father taught him the importance of mastering the fire before anything else could be cooked.

José Shares His Experiences With New Ingredients and Techniques From Diverse Cuisines and Cultures During His Time in the Navy

Andrés’ narrative continues as he reflects on his time in the Spanish Navy, where he was not only a cook for the admiral but also acquired a wealth of culinary knowledge by engaging with different cultures.

During his service, he encountered diverse ingredients and culinary practices as he traveled to places such as the Canary Islands, Africa, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. The discovery of new foods—like his first caipirinha in Brazil, the papaya he tasted, and softshell crabs—was a source of pure joy for Andrés, contributing significantly to his cooking philosophy and technique.

José's U.S. Visit as a Naval Officer Sparked His ...

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José Andrés' Experiences With Food, Cooking, and Culture

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Actionables

  • Explore your family's culinary traditions by organizing a monthly cook-along where relatives share and prepare a cherished recipe together. This not only strengthens family bonds but also helps you discover the flavors and techniques that shaped your culinary heritage, much like the paella feasts did for José Andrés.
  • Experiment with mastering fire by hosting a barbecue challenge with friends, where each person must cook a dish using only an open flame. This will give you hands-on experience with different heat levels and the impact they have on various foods, echoing the lessons José Andrés learned from his father.
  • Create a "culinary passport" for yourself, where you try a new resta ...

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#2315 - José Andrés

Significance of Food and Communal Cooking Practices

Food is not merely a means to survive; it forms the bedrock of social connection and cultural identity. Chef José Andrés illustrates how cooking and food practices are central to community building through his experiences in both humanitarian scenarios and cultural integration efforts.

José Highlights Food's Role in Community Building, Inspired by His Humanitarian Work in Disaster Areas

The essence of José Andrés' philosophy on food mirrors the core of his humanitarian work—providing not just sustenance but also hope and connection to communities in distress. In discussing the role of food in aiding forgotten and voiceless places, Andrés advocates for federal investment in school kitchens, buying local produce, and valuing cooks appropriately. This approach, he suggests, would enhance not only the nutritional quality of food served to children but bolster local economies.

José Believes Feeding Others Expresses Care, Respect, and Dignity, Transcending Cultural, Political, and Socioeconomic Barriers

For José Andrés, the act of feeding someone is profound and mutual. Beyond the physical nourishment, it embodies a sharing of hope, respect, dignity, love, and solidarity. This reflection was prompted by his experiences in disaster areas, where he recognized feeding as a fundamental form of serving and connecting with people. Rogan too underlines the communal aspect of food that transcends individualism, echoing Andrés' emphasis on the shared pleasure of meals.

José Andrés' vision extends beyond practical solutions to social and economic challenges; it is about crafting moments of connectivity in a world often divided by unseen boundaries.

José On Preserving and Sharing Culinary Traditions As a Connection to Heritage and Understanding

José Andrés' passion for food drives him to not only create connections in the present but also to preserve and nurture cultu ...

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Significance of Food and Communal Cooking Practices

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Counterarguments

  • While food can be a means of social connection, not all food practices are inclusive; some may reinforce social hierarchies or exclusivity.
  • The effectiveness of federal investment in school kitchens and local produce may vary depending on the implementation and the specific needs of each community.
  • Valuing cooks appropriately is important, but there may be economic constraints and differing opinions on what constitutes appropriate value.
  • Feeding others can express care and dignity, but it can also be perceived as paternalistic or create dependency if not done with sensitivity to the recipients' autonomy.
  • The idea that food transcends cultural, political, and socioeconomic barriers is aspirational, but in practice, these barriers can significantly influence food access and dietary habits.
  • While sharing meals can foster solidarity, individual experiences and dietary restrictions can sometimes make communal eating complicated or exclusionary.
  • Preserving culinary traditions is valuable, but there is also a need to adapt and innovate in response to changing environments and tastes.
  • Cultural exchanges through food ...

Actionables

  • You can start a recipe exchange board at your workplace or community center to celebrate and share diverse culinary traditions. Set up a physical bulletin board or an online forum where people can post their favorite recipes, along with stories or cultural significance behind them. This encourages sharing of cultural heritage and fosters understanding through food.
  • Organize a 'cook for a neighbor' day in your local community to build connections and express care. Encourage participants to prepare a meal for a neighbor, especially someone they haven't connected with before. This simple act can break down barriers and create new friendships, while also providing an opportunity to share cultural dishes.
  • Create a personal tra ...

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#2315 - José Andrés

Fire and Wood-Fired Cooking in José Andrés' Cuisine

José Andrés celebrates the primal allure of fire in cooking, creating immersive culinary experiences that engage diners through his custom wood-fired grills and equipment.

José's Reverence For Fire-Food Connection Is Evident in His Custom Wood-Fired Grills and Equipment

José Andrés harbors a deep-rooted love for open-fire cooking, a technique nurtured since his childhood. This passion is clearly reflected in his home, which boasts a large custom wood-fired grill wall, and in his restaurants, which feature Argentine grills alive with wood fires that delight the senses as soon as one enters.

José Insists Open-Flame Cooking Essentials Capture Rustic Cuisine Essence

Andrés is drawn to the rustic essence evoked by cooking over an open flame with big cast-iron pots. He shares how, even in the snow, he finds cooking over an open fire fascinating, considering it a fundamental culinary practice. His experiences with terracotta pots and traditional methods serve as the foundation for his approach to open-flame cooking.

José's Embrace of Wood-Fired Cooking Techniques

José Andrés’ culinary philosophy centers around the engagement and communal experience of wood-fired cooking, whether he is reminiscing about using vines and orange tree wood for fires in the countryside or introducing large grills and a variety of meats at his Las Vegas restaurant, Bazaar Meat. He skillfully creates an atmosphere that fuses performance with dining.

Communal and Theatrical Wood-Fired Cooking Engages Diners in Meal Preparation, Crucial to José's Immersive Culinary Experiences Vision

José Andrés value ...

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Fire and Wood-Fired Cooking in José Andrés' Cuisine

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Counterarguments

  • While José Andrés celebrates the allure of fire in cooking, some may argue that modern cooking techniques like sous-vide or molecular gastronomy offer more precision and consistency.
  • Open-fire cooking, though loved by José, may not be as environmentally sustainable as other cooking methods due to smoke emissions and less efficient fuel use.
  • The emphasis on large custom wood-fired grills might not be practical or accessible for the average home cook or smaller restaurants with limited space.
  • The rustic essence of open-flame cooking, while appealing, may not always align with the preferences of diners seeking more refined or delicate flavors that can be overshadowed by the smokiness of wood-fired cooking.
  • Cooking over an open fire, especially in adverse weather conditions like snow, might be seen as unnecessarily challenging when modern indoor cooking provides comfort and convenience.
  • The communal and theatrical aspects of wood-fired cooking, though engaging, might not be preferred by diners who seek a more private and intimate dining experience.
  • The use of traditional methods such as terracotta pots may not always be the most efficient or practical approach in a high-volume commercial kitchen setting.
  • While wood-fired cooking can bring people together, it may exclude those with dietary restrictions or preferences that are less compatible with the typically meat-centric fare of barbecue and open-flame cooking.
  • The culture of smoked meats in America, though appreciated by José, may not reson ...

Actionables

  • You can create a simple fire pit in your backyard using bricks or stones to explore the allure of open-fire cooking. Start with easy-to-grill items like vegetables and sausages, using wood from local trees to infuse different flavors. As you get more comfortable, experiment with various woods and cooking techniques, like slow-roasting or smoking.
  • Host a potluck-style "fire feast" with friends where everyone brings an ingredient to cook over an open flame. Set up a communal cooking area with a grill or a large cast-iron pot, and encourage guests to participate in the cooking process. This fosters a shared culinary experience and allows you to learn from each other's techniques and recipes.
  • Experiment with DIY smoking of meats using a homemade smoker fas ...

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#2315 - José Andrés

The Challenges and Complexities of the Restaurant Industry

In a recent conversation, José Andrés touches on the significant challenges inherent in the restaurant industry, stressing the difference between cooking and restaurant management, as well as the importance of ensuring fair compensation for restaurant workers.

José Discusses the Challenges Of Running a Successful Restaurant

José Andrés shares his personal experience with the difficult business aspects of running a restaurant. He explains that he was fired from his own establishment because, as a young chef, he centered his attention on culinary excellence and innovation instead of on the critical financial aspects such as food costs and labor scheduling. Andrés emphasizes the responsibilities of a chef beyond the kitchen, noting the need for strong business acumen.

José's Restaurant Firings Highlight Need For Business Acumen

Reflecting on his own past, Andrés points out the challenges of the restaurant business. He states that restaurants are among the hardest businesses to sustain, with a significant percentage closing within their first year and an even larger number failing to survive past five years.

Andrés acknowledges the evolution of the culinary profession and its rise from being seen as a menial job to a dignified occupation. This transformation, however, brings to light the complexity and the demanding nature of the industry. He notes that while managing the business often comes with serious financial pressures, which may cause customers to complain about dining costs, these costs are necessary to ensure that employees earn a living wage.

José Stresses the Vital Role and Fair Compensation of Restaurant Workers

José Andrés does not only reflect on the managerial side of the restaurant industry but also brings to the forefront the people who make it run.

José's Advocacy for Living Wages and Worker Protections Highl ...

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The Challenges and Complexities of the Restaurant Industry

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Clarifications

  • The restaurant industry faces challenges such as high failure rates within the first few years, intense financial pressures, and the need to balance costs to ensure fair compensation for employees. Managing a restaurant involves complexities beyond culinary skills, requiring strong business acumen to navigate operational and financial hurdles effectively. José Andrés emphasizes the demanding nature of the industry, where success hinges on understanding and addressing these multifaceted challenges.
  • José Andrés faced challenges running a restaurant early in his career due to focusing more on culinary creativity than on essential financial aspects like food costs and labor management. This led to his dismissal from his own establishment, highlighting the importance of balancing culinary skills with business acumen in the restaurant industry. Andrés' experience underscores the demanding nature of restaurant management and the critical need for chefs to understand the financial side of the business to ensure long-term success.
  • The evolution of the culinary profession from a menial job to a dignified occupation signifies the shift in societal perception towards chefs and food industry workers. Historically viewed as low-status roles, chefs are now recognized for their creativity, skill, and contribution to culture. This transformation has elevated culinary arts to a respected and esteemed field, attracting talent and garnering appreciation globally. The journey from being undervalued to being celebrated reflects changing attitudes towards food, dining experiences, and the individuals who craft memorable culinary creations.
  • Restaurants face financial pressures due to various costs like ingredients, labor, rent, and utilities. These costs can impact menu prices, as restaurants need to cover expenses while staying competitive. Balancing these financial pressures is crucial to ensure the restaurant's sustainability and profitability. Customers may notice these pressures through menu prices, which reflect the costs of running the establishment.
  • In the food service industry, workers are often undervalued in terms of recognition, compensation, and job security. This undervaluation can manifest as low wages, long hours, lack of benefits, and limited o ...

Counterarguments

  • While José Andrés emphasizes the need for business acumen, some might argue that creativity and culinary innovation can also be key differentiators that contribute to a restaurant's success.
  • It's possible to argue that while many restaurants do fail, there are also numerous success stories that could serve as models for sustainability and profitability in the industry.
  • The evolution of the culinary profession to a dignified occupation is a positive change, but some might point out that there is still room for improvement in terms of public perception and professional recognition.
  • Regarding financial pressures and customer complaints about dining costs, one could argue that there are alternative business models or pricing strategies that can balance fair wages with customer satisfaction.
  • While advocating for fair compensation is important, some might suggest that there are additional factors, such as improving efficiency or reducing waste, that could also help improve the financial stability of restaurant workers.
  • The irony of food service workers struggling to feed themselves is a serious issue, but some might highlight the need for broader systemic changes beyond the restaurant industry to address this problem, such as change ...

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#2315 - José Andrés

José Andrés' Humanitarian Work in Disaster Areas

José Andrés, renowned for his culinary prowess, extends his compassion through his humanitarian efforts to feed those affected by disasters. His organization, World Central Kitchen, embodies his belief that food is more than sustenance—it is dignity, community, and a pathway to recovery.

Through World Central Kitchen, José Aids Disaster and Crisis Victims With Food

Andrés' World Central Kitchen plays a pivotal role in disaster-stricken areas where infrastructure has collapsed. He mentions providing up to half a million meals a day in conflict zones such as Ukraine, capitalizing on local restaurants and communities’ support to deliver aid efficiently. Whether it's using helicopters in inaccessible regions or rolling out food trucks poised to respond promptly, World Central Kitchen's versatile approach in mobilizing relief swiftly stands out.

In instances like the California fires, the organization ensured that firefighters and those displaced received the nourishment they needed. Beyond the immediate aid, Andrés underscores the organization's presence in places like Gaza, providing food amidst shortages, and Israel, where aid is impartial to the sides of a conflict. The urgency of relief was illustrated when their bakery in Gaza halted operations due to a lack of flour, underscoring the severity of the situation.

José's Relief in Ukraine, Gaza, and California Highlights Challenges and Solutions For Providing Sustenance and Hope During Crises

The adaptability of World Central Kitchen became evident as Andrés detailed their logistical hurdles—destroyed roads in the Bahamas and North Carolina required aerial transportation for delivery, while the wildfires in California demanded rapid response to feed emergency services and evacuees. In Gaza and Israel, the organization stepped in immediately following an attack, showcasing a commitment to aid irrespective of political or geographical lines.

Feeding People Restores Dignity, Fosters Community, and Creates Pathways For Recovery and Resilience

Andrés passionately explains that nourishing the hungry goes beyond survival, touching on the humanness of care that begins with a mother feeding her newborn. He witnesses moments during crises where food brings disparate people together, fostering unity and peace. The art of cooking, to him, is an extension of the fundamental human connection established through feeding one another.

The power of food also extends to its role in conflict resolution, with Andrés recounting instances of Israeli and Palestinian communities expressing their desires for peace and offering support through food.

José's Advocacy For Policies Prioritizing Food Security, Sustainability, and Equitable Nourishment Access, Recognizing Governments' and Policymakers' Vital Role In Shaping the Global Food System

Andrés is an ardent advocate for food security an ...

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José Andrés' Humanitarian Work in Disaster Areas

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While World Central Kitchen's efforts are commendable, there may be concerns about the long-term sustainability of relying on external aid organizations for disaster relief, as it could potentially reduce the incentive for local governments to strengthen their own disaster response capabilities.
  • The focus on immediate relief, though critical, might overshadow the need for investment in long-term development and infrastructure improvements that could mitigate the impact of future disasters.
  • Mobilizing local restaurants and communities is a powerful strategy, but it could also divert resources from local economies if not managed carefully, potentially leading to economic disruptions.
  • The use of helicopters and other expensive logistics options, while necessary in some contexts, could raise questions about cost-effectiveness and environmental impact.
  • Andrés' call for a national food security advisor and similar positions globally is a specific policy proposal that might not align with the priorities or strategies of all governments, and there could be debate about the best approach to achieving food security.
  • The emphasis on unity and collective good in policymaking is an ideal that may not account for the complex and often competing ...

Actionables

  • You can support food security by starting a windowsill herb garden, which helps you understand the process of growing food and contributes to your own sustainable practices. By nurturing herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro at home, you'll gain a personal connection to food production and can share your harvest with neighbors, promoting community and the importance of local food sources.
  • Volunteer with a local food bank or soup kitchen to directly aid in providing nourishment to those in need, fostering a sense of community and understanding the role of food in dignity and recovery. This hands-on experience will give you insight into the challenges of food distribution and the impact of community support on individual resilience.
  • Create a "unity meal" initiative in ...

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