DC Restaurateur Wins 2018 James Beard Humanitarian Award

WASHINGTON, DC -- D.C.'s own José Andrés has received the 2018 James Beard Humanitarian Award, recognizing his efforts in Puerto Rico and Haiti.

Andrés, the owner of ThinkFoodGroup and high-end restaurants in the D.C. area like his flagship "minibar," was chosen as the James Beard Foundation announces this year's theme, "RISE," which celebrates the community of chefs and industry leaders who "rise to the occasion" of feeding those in need or supporting their local communities, according to a statement.

"Andrés is a committed advocate of food and hunger issues and is known for championing the role of chefs in the national debate on food policy," the statement reads. "In 2012, Andrés formed World Central Kitchen, a non-profit that provides smart solutions to hunger and poverty by using the power of food to empower communities and strengthen economies. Together with World Central Kitchen and #ChefsforPuertoRico, Andrés served over 3.3 million meals in Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017."

Andrés said in the statement that he was "honored" to receive the award, and that he would share it with his team.

The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala will be held in Chicago on Monday, May 7.

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 08: Jose Andres and Quincy Moore attend FOOD MEETS ART, hosted by Jose Andres for American Express Platinum Card Members at the SLS South Beach Hotel on December 8, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for American Express Platinum)