Ivanka Trump reaches out to José Andrés following after-party dispute

José Andrés is now striking a conciliatory tone after first claiming he was kicked out of the Alfalfa Club dinner after-party at Café Milano in Georgetown, Washington D.C., because his presence allegedly made Ivanka Trump uncomfortable. The Spanish-American restaurateur took to Twitter to voice his discontent, prompting frustration from friends and fans, and ultimately an apology from all parties involved.

In a January 27 tweet, the chef addressed restaurant owner Franco Nuschese: “‘Everyone’ welcome to the after party, but I’m the only individual not allowed in? Is because @IvankaTrump told you so? You should be ashamed of yourself Franco.”

https://twitter.com/chefjoseandres/status/957480966913708032

Fellow food enthusiast Anthony Bourdain offered his sentiments on the alleged mistreatment of his colleague.

“Loathsome. A grotesque betrayal of a true patriot and hero,” the Parts Unknown star wrote on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/Bourdain/status/957622378380447746

But Café Milano claims the entire situation was a misunderstanding.

“@chefjoseandres, you are always welcome at @CafeMilanoDC when we are open and in fact, I will host you and toast to all your successes! I am sorry for the misunderstanding,” Nuschese wrote on the restaurant’s official Twitter. “Last night the restaurant was closed for a private Alfalfa Dinner after party. Of note, the dinner and after party are different guest lists. Also, Ivanka Trump had no role on determining event attendees.”

https://twitter.com/CafeMilanoDC/status/957681472890195969https://twitter.com/CafeMilanoDC/status/957681675512827905

The chef thanked the Italian eatery and its owner for the apology, and asked the public to “keep supporting a great restaurant institution,” adding, “Now let’s all be friends.”

https://twitter.com/chefjoseandres/status/957688200809648128

Ivanka also reportedly reached out to make nice.

“I believe now that you personally had nothing to do. Let’s now work on what’s important: immigration reform, where #DACADreamers and undocumented citizens will become part of a strong USA. With secure borders. With economic growth,” the chef wrote with a thumbs up emoji.

https://twitter.com/chefjoseandres/status/957686639471546369

But this isn’t Andrés’ first run-in with the first family. After then-presidential candidate Donald Trump made disparaging comments toward Mexican immigrants, Andrés’ withdrew from a costly contract with the president at Washington’s Trump International Hotel - sparking a yearslong legal battle. Find all this and more within the 18 reasons why José Andrés is the hero we need right now.

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