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In our latest issue, we interview experts in their fields to share the products they swear by. In our latest issue, we spoke with chef and restaurateur José Andrés about his favorite kitchen essentials, including his trusty cookware and spices.
Chef José Andrés knows a thing or two about good food and its power to bring people together. As one of the world's most celebrated chefs and restaurateurs, and founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides nutritious meals to frontline workers and their families in humanitarian crises, Andrés has proven he's just as much in the business of building community as he is creating signature dishes.
“Having a hot meal in the darkest times represents dignity and hope. It shows that someone cares, that you are not alone. I truly believe that food has the power to change the world,” Andrés told PS in an exclusive interview.
“I truly believe that food has the power to change the world.”
It's this belief that drives the chef to pursue a number of ventures outside the kitchen, specifically ones that focus on cultivating relationships through food and bringing as many people to the table as possible — a theme he explores in his podcast, “Longer Tables.”
Most recently, Andres launched his own pet food brand, Real Mesa, a Mediterranean-inspired dog food designed with flavor (and loving pet owners) in mind.
“Pets give us all so much love! For me it makes sense to feed them the best food possible, with the same quality ingredients and care that I feed the rest of my family.”
Through his wide selection of Real Mesa nutritious dog foods, Andres provides custom, high-quality meals for pups and encourages families to spend more time at home eating, because, despite etiquette rules, pets definitely have a right to a seat at the table.
In conversation with PS, Chef Andres talked about his new pet food brand and also shared some of the cooking essentials he considers essential in his own kitchen. From a big cooking pot to speciality spices, here are his must-haves:
