\u201cThere is no city in the world like Miami \u2014 it has this energy that\u2019s only possible when people from many different cultures and backgrounds are all coming together in a beautiful place,\u201d restaurateur Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s, 56, tells Alexa. <\/p>\n
The co-founder of World Central Kitchen \u2014 a nonprofit that recently helped feed those affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica \u2014 has 40 restaurants (one with two Michelin stars), five James Beard Awards and a Presidential Medal of Freedom (awarded in January for his humanitarian work). <\/p>\n
A regular at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival<\/a>, Andr\u00e9s will soon boast five Miami eateries: DiLido Beach Bar (ceviche, tacos and burgers) and Zaytinya (mezze-style Eastern Mediterranean) at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Aguasal (elevated coastal Mediterranean), Bar Centro (pastries and light bites) and the forthcoming Bazaar in the Andaz Miami Beach hotel.<\/p>\n Chef and restaurateur Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s. Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal<\/p>\n The Spain-born Andr\u00e9s is now based in Bethesda, Md., with his wife of 30 years, Patricia (they have three adult daughters: Carlota, In\u00e9s and Luc\u00eda). The busy chef has already conquered land with restaurants in seven US cities and counting. Next up is air, thanks to a partnership with Delta Air Lines that will bring his delicious dishes \u2014 like braised short ribs with a smoky pepper sauce \u2014 to the skies. But no matter where in the world he\u2019s soaring, Andr\u00e9s always makes time for Miami. <\/p>\n When he does, you\u2019re likely to catch him at one of these sweet spots.<\/p>\n Zaytinya<\/a> | 1 Lincoln Road<\/p>\n Get fed by the Med at Zaytinya. Courtesy of Zaytinya<\/p>\n \u201cMy restaurant highlights the culinary traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean, especially the foods of Turkey, Greece and Lebanon.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s always cocktail hour at Bar Centro. Courtesy of Bar Centro<\/p>\n \u201cAt Bar Centro, my team is serving what they call a Reverse Carajillo, with Spanish brandy, Licor 43, cold brew, rum and a tres leches espuma \u2026 it\u2019s the perfect drink to get the night started \u2014 or to keep the night going.\u201d<\/p>\n Music and munchies at Cafe La Trova. Courtesy of Cafe La Trova<\/p>\n \u201cA friend of mine, Michelle Bernstein, has created something really special at Cafe La Trova in Little Havana. The food and cocktails \u2014 of course \u2014 are amazing, and there is live music all the time. The atmosphere is electric!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor great drinks and atmosphere, I never want to miss a visit to the Broken Shaker. Even if it\u2019s less than 15 years old, it\u2019s become an icon in the Miami cocktail scene.\u201d<\/p>\n Tacotomia<\/a> | 200 E. Flagler St.<\/p>\n Chef\u2019s top taco spot is Tacotomia. Courtesy of Tacotomia<\/p>\n \u201cThe best tacos in Miami are from a great person and wonderful chef, Karla Hoyos. Karla is a superwoman who has worked with us for many years at World Central Kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n A round of a-claws for Joe\u2019s Stone Crab. Courtesy of Joe’s Stone Crab<\/p>\n \u201cA legend for a reason! Joe\u2019s Stone Crab is over 100 years old and has some of the best seafood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot many people know this, but way back in 1995 (30 years ago!), my partners wanted to open a restaurant in Miami, and they picked Espa\u00f1ola Way. I came to help open the restaurant, which ultimately didn\u2019t survive, but I discovered Espa\u00f1ola Way and I still love to visit, especially to check out the selection at Espa\u00f1ola cigars.\u201d<\/p>\n