Walt Disney World is upping their culinary ante in 2015 when they welcome Iron Chef and Iron Chef America star Chef Masaharu Morimoto to the new Disney Springs. The famed chef has teamed up with Patina Restaurant Group to bring guests a pan-Asian dining experience called Morimoto Asia. It is the first pan-Asian restaurant the Japanese master chef has ever created.
“We are delighted to work with Morimoto to create this one of a kind restaurant, which will be a spectacular dining destination at the new Disney Springs,” said Nick Valenti, restaurateur and CEO of Patina Restaurant Group.
“I’m very excited to bring this new concept to Disney, something I’ve always dreamed of,” said Chef Morimoto. “It’s a wonderful chance to share some of my favorite foods from across the Asian continent.”
The new restaurant will feel more like a destination than a restaurant with a 36-foot-tall, two-story layout that includes open terraces, a grand hall, private rooms, long bar, cocktail lounge, waterside seating and more. Morimoto Asia’s culinary tastes will take diners across Asia, while showcasing the continent’s traditions including street-food stalls, Peking duck carving and dim sum. Chef Morimoto’s perfectly balanced Asian flavors with both Western and Japanese ingredients will surprise and delight guests in this new entertainment, dining and retail district.
“We’re thrilled to bring Chef Morimoto’s renowned culinary style to Disney Springs as we expand the range of dining experiences for our resort guests as well as local Florida residents,” said George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort.
Ever since opening restaurants in Philadelphia, Mumbai and New Dehli Chef Morimoto has continued to expand his culinary masterpieces globally with locations in Mexico City, New York City, Boca Raton, Maui, Chicago, South Beach, Waikki, and Napa, which has been named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s “Best U.S. Restaurant Openings” in 2010. Morimoto New York also won the James Beard Award for “Outstanding Restaurant Design” in 2008, as well as a “2006 Hot List Restaurant” by Conde Nast Traveler, one of New York’s “Top 50 Restaurants” by Travel + Leisure, and one of New York Magazine’s “Best New Restaurants.”
Stay tuned for more details on Morimoto Asia as well as Disney Springs updates. In the meantime you can get a taste of Asian culture at Epcot with discounted Walt Disney World tickets right here on Best of Orlando.
Orlando, FL – 10/30/14
By: Jena Pugh | 
