Renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés is set to release his new memoir, “Change the Recipe: Because You Can’t Build A Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs,” on April 22, 2025. The book, published by Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins, promises to be a culinary and humanitarian journey that shares life lessons from Andrés’ career and global work with World Central Kitchen. Available in print and audiobook formats via Audible, “Change the Recipe” is already generating buzz among fans and readers. Pre-orders are now open on major platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and Indigo.
A Journey Through Flavors and Crises
José Andrés’ journey began in a small farming town outside Barcelona, Spain, where he grew up surrounded by the rich flavors and traditions of Spanish cuisine. In 1993, Andrés arrived in Washington, D.C., a city that would become his new home. The cherry blossoms reminded him of his childhood in Asturias, Spain, evoking memories that felt like home. He recalls, “And again bringing those memories, but they were not happening in Spain, the country I grew up in, but they were happening right here, in the place that I now call home.”
From Spain to D.C.: A New Chapter
Andrés opened his restaurant, Jaleo, in D.C. in 1993, inspired by a John Singer Sargent painting of a Spanish woman dancing to guitars. The concept focused on creating a fun dining experience, with the painting reproduced in the restaurant. This venture marked the beginning of Andrés’ successful culinary career in the United States. For those interested in exploring more about Andrés’ experiences in D.C., including his take on local desserts, visit D.C. Vegetable Desserts Dining.
Humanitarian Work with World Central Kitchen
In addition to his culinary achievements, Andrés is also known for his humanitarian work through World Central Kitchen (WCK), an organization he founded to provide meals in response to humanitarian and climate crises. WCK has fed millions affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, and wars. However, the organization faced a tragic incident in November 2024 when WCK workers were killed in Gaza by an Israeli airstrike. Andrés took personal responsibility for the deaths, including that of a “very dear friend.” For more information on this tragedy and WCK’s response, read the article on World Central Kitchen Tragedy. Despite this setback, WCK continues its mission, and Andrés speaks candidly about the challenges and responsibilities of this work in his memoir.
Some of the key aspects of WCK’s humanitarian efforts include:
– Providing meals in response to natural disasters and conflicts
– Supporting local communities through food provision and economic stimulation
– Responding quickly to crises to alleviate suffering
Sharing Life Lessons Through Storytelling
In “Change the Recipe,” Andrés shares hard-won wisdom, funny and touching stories, and insights gained from his experiences in kitchens and conflict zones. The book is described as “a roadmap to finding your purpose in life” and is intended to inspire readers to “dream big.” Andrés’ journey from a small farming town to becoming a global leader in both cuisine and crisis response serves as a powerful inspiration. The book tour events, scheduled in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, will feature Andrés sharing stories from his childhood, culinary career, and humanitarian work. Check the latest updates on the book tour at José Andrés Book Tour.
To stay updated on the book’s promotion, including HarperCollins’ social media posts, visit HarperCollins Social Media.
Lessons from the Kitchen and Beyond
The core message of “Change the Recipe” is a collection of life lessons that encourage readers to embrace change and find their purpose. Andrés’ stories span his childhood in Spain, his culinary career, and his global humanitarian efforts. For those looking to explore more about the lessons learned from Andrés’ experiences, visit Culinary Humanitarian Lessons. By sharing his journey, Andrés aims to inspire readers to make a positive impact in their own lives and the lives of others. As he says, “Because You Can’t Build A Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs,” emphasizing the importance of taking action and being willing to take risks.