The Michelin-starred chef and founder of World Central Kitchen shares lessons learned from a lifetime of experience everywhere from the kitchen to crisis zones. Pre-order your copy of Change the Recipe and get your free ticket now!

In-person registration for this event has sold out, but livestream tickets are still available. A limited number of standby tickets may be available on the night of the event.

From running more than 30 restaurants to feeding the hungry in the wake of a disaster, José Andrés has amassed a wealth of stories and teachable moments. In his new book, Change the Recipe, Andrés has collected some of the funniest, most touching, and insightful tales—all driven by the belief that food can bring us closer together and the conviction that each of us can change the world for the better.

José Andrés speaks with food writer and Top Chef judge Gail Simmons about his new book and his hard-won wisdom acquired from a life dedicated to changing the world through the power of food.

Presented as The Richard B. Salomon Distinguished Lecture.

Pre-order your copy of the book! Tickets labeled "In-Person (with book)" include a copy of Change the Recipe that you'll receive upon entry.

To join the event in person | Doors will open 45 minutes before the program begins. Purchase a drink from the NYPL bar and a snack from Amy's Bread while you mingle before the event! For LIVE from NYPL events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment; we will do our best to accommodate everyone. Booked seats that have not been claimed will be released shortly before start time, and seats may become available then. A standby line will form 45 minutes before the program.

To join the livestream | Want a copy of Change the Recipe? Order your book at the Library Shop—proceeds benefit The New York Public Library.

A livestream of this event will be available on the NYPL event page. To receive an email reminder shortly in advance of the event, please be sure to register! If you encounter any issues, please join us on NYPL's YouTube channel.

Copies of Change the Recipe will also be available for purchase from the Library Shop the evening of the event. All books purchased in the bundle should be picked up the evening of the event. If you are unable to pick up your book the evening of the event, you must pick up your book at the NYPL Shop within 14 days. Any unclaimed books will be donated to the Library.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

José Andrés has twice been named to Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” and was awarded “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation. He is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, educator, humanitarian, Emmy-nominated television personality, and New York Times bestselling author of Zaytinya, We Fed an Island, and Vegetables Unleashed. A pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States, he is also known for his groundbreaking avant-garde cuisine and his award-winning restaurant collective, José Andrés Group, with more than 30 restaurants across the U.S. and abroad—including Zaytinya and The Bazaar by José Andrés. In 2010, Andrés founded World Central Kitchen, a non-profit which uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. One of his newest ventures, José Andrés Media, produces unscripted and scripted television series, books, podcasts, and digital short and mid-form content with a focus on food-related stories and characters and the culture of food.

Gail Simmons is a trained culinary expert, food writer, and dynamic television personality. Since the show’s inception in 2006, she has lent her expertise as permanent judge on Bravo’s Emmy-winning series Top Chef. Now entering its 22nd season (set in Canada), Top Chef is rated the #1 food show on cable television. She was most recently co-host of The Good Dish, and was formerly host of Top Chef Amateurs, as well as Iron Chef Canada. From 2004 to 2019, Gail served as special projects director at Food & Wine.

Gail’s first cookbook, Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating, was released by Grand Central Publishing in October 2017. Her first book, a memoir titled Talking With My Mouth Full, was published by Hyperion in February 2012. Gail’s third book, entitled Guesting, will be published in 2026. Her first foray into non-scripted television as an executive producer, a sitcom about food media called Taste, is currently in development with NBC.

She is the co-founder of Bumble Pie Productions and sits on the board of several nonprofit organizations including Children in Conflict, City Harvest, and Hot Bread Kitchen. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband Jeremy and their two children, Dahlia and Kole.

READ THE BOOK:

• Borrow: NYPL Catalog


• E-Book app: SimplyE, available on iOS and Android

Don't have a New York Public Library card? Get one here!

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue. You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs. 

Livestream | Captions and a transcript will be provided. Media used over the course of the conversation will be accompanied by alt text and/or audio description. You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

CONNECT

For questions and inquiries, please email publicprograms@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

Please submit press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event: email press@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

The New York Public Library's free services and resources are made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library. Join this group of Library lovers and take advantage of special membership benefits, like invitations to members-only virtual events, discounts at the Library Shop, and more. Join now.

LIVE from NYPL is made possible by the continuing generosity of Celeste Bartos, Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos and Adam Bartos, the Margaret and Herman Sokol Public Education Endowment Fund, and the support of Library patrons and friends.

The Richard B. Salomon Distinguished Lecture is made possible by an endowment established by family and friends of the late Richard B. Salomon.

José Andrés © Josh Telles
Gail Simmons © Shana Trajanoska