James Beard award-winner Jose Andres is on a mission to bring back old-school American cuisine. The chef opened apop-up restaurant, America Eats Tavern, on July 4th in Washington, D.C., to celebrate some long-forgotten dishes.
So what makes the Spaniard so passionate about American cuisine?
“I’ve been 21 years in the states; my three daughters -- born here,” He told Savid Gergory on TODAY. “I am an immigrant. I think I am the story of every other immigrant before me. I am a cook, (so) I am trying to bring back the forgotten dishes of our history.”
He pointed to the 1931 first edition of Irma von Starkloff Rombauer’s “Joy of cooking” and told Gregory, “When I opened this book one day, Irma spoke to me (and said) ‘Jose, I need you to bring back the dishes that have been forgotten.’”
Andres discussed the importance of the 2012 Farm bill, which is currently being negotiated, and its effect on what we eat. “The future of how we feed America and in the world being decided right now,” he said. “We need to remember that food is the most important thing we have.”
Click here to get Jose Andres' clam and shrimp recipes. Hint: How do you know when your clams are done cooking? "You can say ... clam, are you good or are you not good?" Andres suggests. As long as they don't answer, you're good!