As restaurants prepare for dine-in service, outdoor seating, and larger staff, most of us can’t stop wondering - Are we doing this right?
Hungry for answers, Spanish Chef, José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, organized a special one-on-one on Instagram with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the foremost expert on infectious diseases in the U.S.
The two leaders talked through common concerns, from air filtration systems to deep cleans, while touching on lighter topics, like Fauci’s favorite baseball team (the Washington Nationals) and food cravings. Both are residents of the Washington, DC, area.
“Being an Italian-American, José, I absolutely love a perfectly al dente pasta, particularly with something like pesto or maybe even some meat sauce,” said Dr. Fauci, who grew up in Bensonhurst, an Italian neighborhood of Brooklyn.
When Chef Andrés asked how long it would take for life to return to “normal,” Dr. Fauci seemed sorry he could not make promises. Instead, he encouraged the industry to remember the joy they bring to communities, especially in the summertime.
“Please try and hang in there, because this will end– It is not going to be forever,” he said. “Part of our culture that makes us happy is going out to restaurants.”
Deeply moved by the doctor’s kindness and thoughtfulness, the chef thanked him for being a source of light and hope.
“When all this is over, I would love to make a pesto pasta for you,” said Chef Andrés.