Undiscovered Haiti With José Andrés

World-renowned chef, author, television host and philanthropist José Andrés gives viewers an unprecedented glimpse into the dynamic culture, people and stunning landscape of Haiti in a one-hour travel special. “Undiscovered Haiti With José Andrés” follows Andrés as he explores the corners of this revitalized, fascinating – and, some say, the most beautiful – country in the Caribbean, showing a side largely unknown to today’s travelers.

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José Andrés (left) and Bill Clinton (second from right) tour farms in Saint Marc, Haiti.

Courtesy of What Took You So Long? Inc.

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José Andrés (right) speaks to Mario Batali at the Prestige beer factory in Port-au-Prince.

Courtesy of What Took You So Long? Inc.

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José Andrés swims under the Basin Bleu waterfall near Jacmel in the south of Haiti.

Courtesy of What Took You So Long? Inc.

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The Citadel was built in 1805 by former slaves to protect their newfound freedom; Cap Haitien, Haiti.

Courtesy of What Took You So Long? Inc.

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José Andrés speaks to fisherman in the north of Haiti.

Courtesy of What Took You So Long? Inc.

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José Andrés tours a culinary school in Port-au-Prince.

Courtesy of What Took You So Long? Inc.

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José Andrés buys fruit from a local market in Port-au-Prince.

Courtesy of What Took You So Long? Inc.

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José Andrés hamming it up at a sisal factory in Port-au-Prince.

Courtesy of What Took You So Long? Inc.

While Haiti has in recent years been portrayed primarily via images of the devastation wrought by the 2010 earthquake, it has long been one of the lush jewels of the Caribbean. Much of the country escaped the brunt of the damage and is once again ready to seduce its visitors. In “Undiscovered Haiti With José Andrés,” Andrés brings this vibrant side of Haiti alive, exploring ancient waterfalls and untouched coastlines, hunting for land crabs and mythical mushrooms in its verdant forests, and tasting local specialties on the bustling streets of Port-au-Prince.

Viewers join their passionate guide in exploring historic sites such as the Citadel and a 150-year-old rum factory, experiencing the country’s authentic traditions and rituals, from making cassava bread to midnight gatherings with vodou priests. Along the way, Andrés meets special guests including former President Bill Clinton and Chef Mario Batali. Throughout the documentary, viewers experience the indomitable spirit and infectious joie de vivre of the Haitian people.

“When the earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, I was desperate to go there and help,” says Andrés. He soon after founded World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit foundation bringing sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty in Haiti and other developing nations. In the process, Andrés fell in love with the very soul of Haiti: the people, the food and the culture. “I want people to get to know the real and undiscovered Haiti, where you can have the trip of a lifetime!”

“Undiscovered Haiti With José Andrés” is a National Geographic Special.

José Andrés is on Facebook, Instagram, and you can follow @chefjoseandres on Twitter. World Central Kitchen is on Facebook, and you can follow @WCKitchen on Twitter.