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‘No one deserves this more’: Ted Leonsis thinks José Andrés should win Nobel Peace Prize

By Cara Bahniuk

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November 27, 2018 12:42 pm

José Andrés is a household name in the DC-metro area after opening popular restaurants such as Jaleo and minibar. But over the last few years, the Spanish-American chef, who also owns venues in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, South Beach, and Frisco, has put his heart into helping those truly in need with disaster relief – most recently to help feed victims of the California wildfires.

On Monday, the Washington Post reported that Andrés’ was nominated for a 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian efforts across the world.

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis agrees wholeheartedly that Andrés should win.

Leonsis tweeted that “no one deserves [the Nobel Peace Prize] more than José.”

Andrés’ nomination came from Representative John Delaney of Maryland. Though Delaney is not permitted to speak about the reasoning behind his nomination, The Washington Post published some of the language the submission.

Because of Mr. Andrés’s work, millions of people have been fed. This is the most basic human need and Mr. Andrés has proven to be world-class in this essential humanitarian field. With an incredible spirit and an innovative mind, Mr. Andrés is solving one of the world’s ancient problems and supplying world leaders with a new road map to provide more effective disaster relief in the future.

Leonsis and Andrés have a long history together. Their friendship turned into a business relationship when Andrés moved his restaurants into the Capital One Arena in 2016. Leonsis presented the chef with a Capitals championship ring in November.

Photos: @chefjoseandres

Leonsis similarly spoke out that Andrés “should be Time’s Man Of The Year” last year.

Andrés’ humanitarian work first came to light nationally after Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico. Andrés made it his mission to feed the affected residents. Andrés created a grass-roots movement, connecting chefs and volunteers to prepare more than 2 million meals in the first month after the hurricane hit. Andrés documented his journey on Twitter and wrote a book, titled “We Fed an Island.”

He continued this Thanksgiving season. Instead of spending time with his family, Andrés flew to California and served 15,000 meals for survivors of Camp Fire, partnering with chefs Tyler Florence and Guy Fieri.

Headline photo: @chefjoseandres

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