Cultural Detective

When I first arrived to Washington DC in 1993, Senator Moynihan told me - “if you love America, America will always love you back.” Today, I’m humbled to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I know that immigrants are bridges…we build the longer tables that connect us all. And I believe we all share a responsibility to create an even better America, one where the American dream can by achieved by everyone…regardless of what you look like or where you come from. Chefs like me feed the few, but our destiny is to feed the many. To be an army of goodness where a plate of food becomes a plate of hope…a light in dark times. Together, we can change the world through the power of food. I owe this tremendous honor to so many people who have shown me the true meaning of empathy, of generosity, of putting yourself at the service of others. To my family, my friends, my partners…and to every cook and chef around the world who inspires me by feeding humanity every day and moving us forward…I say: gracias. Thank you!