D.C. Chef José Andrés Wins Named James Beard 'Outstanding Chef'

The Spain-born chef has been nominated for the past four years for his work at minibar, the tiny restaurant-within-a-restaurant in D.C.'s Penn Quarter.

His culinary empire includes multiple locations of the Spanish tapas bar Jaleo, as well as Oyamel, Cafe Atlantico, and Zaytinya in D.C., and the new Bazaar in Los Angeles.

Andrés thanked his wife Patricia, his mentor Ferran Adriá, and restaurateur Rob Wilder in his acceptance speech May 9, according to reports. Later, in a series of posts on Twitter, he said he was "so happy", and thanked all "people of America," saying: "This award goes to you."

The award for the exuberant chef certainly won't make it any easier to get into minibar -- the restaurant only takes reservations exactly one month in advance for its six seats -- but Andrés is planning an expansion of the space to 18 seats this year.