In the latest episode of Let’s Do Lunch, celebrity chef José Andrés sits down for a bite at Spanish restaurant Casa Teresa in Washington, D.C. where he savors classic Catalonian dishes made by chef and owner Rubén García, who was mentored by Andrés.
While he waits for his food, Andrés lists iconic D.C. chefs that made significant contributions to the city’s dining scene, such as Nora Pouillon and Patrick O’Connell, as well as old-school restaurants like Bethesda Crab House, before starting his midday meal with seafood and appetizers: Oysters with caviar, anchovies, croquetas, pan con tomate, and jamon. While he eats, Andrés talks about some of his favorite dishes and how tinned seafood is a perfect travel snack. He also talks about traveling to Haiti to feed communities affected by an earthquake with World Central Kitchen, and how he was schooled on how to make beans the Haitian way.
Just as Andrés is being hit with the hard questions (including whether Mexico City or Madrid is a better food city), García brings in fresh fish for Andrés to choose from for his main course. Andrés reminisces about friends he’s lost, including Anthony Bourdain, before diving into the entree.
Andrés continues to chat about World Central Kitchen and its work to feed communities around the world being affected by wars, natural disasters, and general instability, before digging into a Basque-style goat cheese cheesecake. He says his restaurants reflect that same crisis work and his goal is to “create better communities one meal at a time.”
Watch the latest episode of Let’s Do Lunch to see Andrés deliver some hilarious takes on food culture and enjoy Spanish food in D.C.
