Restaurateur and humanitarian José Andrés has been awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest official honor bestowed on civilians in recognition of their efforts to promote American ideals.
The chef was one of 19 recipients honored Saturday at the White House. The only other honoree with a connection to the restaurant business was David Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm that has invested in foodservice chains from time to time.
Other recipients included Bono, Hillary Clinton, Michael J. Fox, George Soros, Ralph Lauren, Bill “The Science Guy” Nye, Denzel Washington, soccer star Lionel Messi, editor Anna Wintour, Magic Johnson and anthropologist Jane Goodall.
In addition, medals were awarded posthumously to Robert F. Kennedy, the politician who was assassinated in 1968, and George Romney, the former head of American Motors, a one-time governor of Michigan and the father of current-day politician Mitt Romney.
The award was created by President John F. Kennedy as a civilian counterpart to the Presidential Medal of Honor, the highest honor bestowed on military personnel. The Medal of Freedom recognizes “individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” the White House said in announcing this year’s winners.
The recipients are chosen by the President of the United States.
Andrés was praised for the humanitarian work of his World Central Kitchen, a charity that sets up local feeding operations in the immediate aftermath of wars, natural disasters and other catastrophes. The chef’s slogan is, “Build longer tables, not higher walls.”
The chef, who came to the U.S. from Spain, is also the culinary force behind José Andrés Group, a collection of high-end restaurants concentrated in Washington, D.C. Its operations include Jaleo, Minibar, China Poblano and Spanish Diner.
In announcing Andrés’ selection for the Medal of Freedom, the White House also saluted the restaurateur for popularizing tapas within the United States.
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