When in DC we go out to eat at fun places that are unlike things we have back in Durham. We love Durham and the restaurants here are well known in the area to be great. Most say better than Raleigh, not that it’s a competition. Both are quite good. Still, we do not have an Oyamel, or a China Chilacano in the Greater Triangle Area. And we certainly don’t have a José Andrés, there is only one of those.
The trip to Washington was my 26th in a row except for COVID when it was cancelled. It’s always in Washington, always in the second week of May and always at the Marriott Wardman in Woodly Park. After COVID the event moved to Navy Yards and then to the Walter (not George) Washington Convention Center downtown.
It’s fine. But we all miss The Omni and the lobby bar. The Marriott Marquee is a big upgrade from the old part of the Wardman that I think had coal fireplaces. The Wardman is swanky condos now.
So this event, the National Association of Realtors annual meeting with their elected officials, also features a trade expo. It is always adjacent to big meetings and I sold software there since 1999. Now I am operating an MLS so I am there as a customer. In both roles it is literally my job to take people to dinner.
This week I got to go again and, as usual, we like to try and go back to José Andrés places Oyamel and China Chilcano. Both are amazing if you get to go. Oyamel has an 11-seat private space for team dinners called the Butterfly Room. It’s amazing. Salt Air Margarita is soo good.
When I take people there I ask them if they know who owns the restaurant. Many times people do not know the story and I get to be the one to tell them about World Central Kitchen, and Anthony Bourdain, and the other restaurant across the street (Oyamel and China Chilcano are across from each other).
So I point out the note Jose wrote about Tony, framed just inside the door on the left when you come in. If you look closely, you can see they are both holding Salt Air Margaritas. And then tell them about WCK. About the nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, about 450 million meals, about Haiti and the earthquake that started it all. Empathy really started it all, and he just kept going. Its powerful and encouraging story.
This is something I found on their website:
World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés in response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Its mission is to provide fresh, nourishing meals to communities affected by natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and conflicts worldwide. Since its inception, WCK has served over 450 million meals across the globe .(Reuters, World Central Kitchen)
Origins and Mission
The idea for WCK was born when Chef Andrés traveled to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and recognized the power of food to not only nourish but also to bring hope and rebuild communities. This experience led him to establish WCK with the belief that “when people are hungry, send in cooks” .(World Central Kitchen, World Central Kitchen)
Global Impact
WCK operates on the principle of being “first to the frontlines,” rapidly deploying teams to disaster zones to provide meals. They collaborate with local chefs, restaurants, and food suppliers to ensure culturally appropriate and sustainable food relief. Notable interventions include:(World Central Kitchen, GuideStar, Wikipedia)
- Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico (2017): WCK served over 3.6 million meals, becoming one of the largest food relief organizations on the island during the crisis .(Time)
- COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): The organization transformed restaurants into community kitchens to feed frontline workers and vulnerable populations .(Wikipedia)
- Ukraine Conflict (2022–present): WCK established field kitchens along the Poland-Ukraine border and expanded into neighboring countries, delivering over 40 million meals .(Food & Wine)
- Gaza Humanitarian Crisis (2023–2025): WCK provided over 130 million meals and participated in maritime aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip .(Wikipedia)
Challenges and Sacrifices
Operating in conflict zones has posed significant risks. In April 2024, seven WCK aid workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, leading to a temporary suspension of operations in the region . Despite such tragedies, WCK remains committed to its mission, often working in areas where other organizations cannot.(CBS News, Wikipedia)
Recognition and Support
Chef José Andrés and WCK have received numerous accolades for their humanitarian efforts:(Wikipedia)
- James Beard Foundation Award for Humanitarian of the Year (2018): Recognizing Andrés’s work in disaster relief .(The Banner)
- Princess of Asturias Award for Concord (2021): Honoring WCK’s commitment to feeding those in need .(ideas.ted.com)
- Courage and Civility Award from Jeff Bezos (2021): A $100 million award to support WCK’s initiatives .(Wikipedia)
- Nobel Peace Prize Nomination (2024): Nominated by U.S. lawmakers for their global humanitarian work .
How to Support
Individuals can contribute to WCK’s mission by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness. More information is available on their official website: wck.org.(Time)
For a deeper insight into WCK’s operations and impact, the documentary We Feed People, directed by Ron Howard, offers an in-depth look at their work in disaster zones worldwide .(Wikipedia)
So when you are in Washington again, go to one of José places because of the food, and because of José.
