Early Life
Jose Ramon Andres Puerta was born in Mieres, Spain, on July 14th, 1969. Jose Andres began cooking at an early age helping his mother bake by the time he was eight. He created complex dishes like paella by the age of 12, and by 16 excelling at the renowned culinary academy, La Escola De Restauració Hostalatge De Barcelona. While attending culinary school, Andrés acquired practical experience by apprenticing at restaurant el Bulli under chef Ferran Adria. He left his home country, Spain in 1990 to prove himself in New York City. A few years later he moved to Washington DC to become chef and partner at Jaleo. Jose worked in many restaurants under the umbrella of ThinkFoodGroup including Cafe Atlantico, Zaytinya, and Oyamel.