Meet Jose Andres of Jaleo
Jose Andres is the mastermind behind Jaleo- the newest restaurant experience set to open at Disney Springs this year. He isn’t the first celebrity chef to open a restaurant at Disney Springs. However, instead of simply following in the footsteps of Wolfgang Puck and Guy Fierri, Jose’s approach is changing the culinary game!
Chef and Humanitarian
Jose Andres knows what it means to work for what you want. His massive successes could have easily been pocketed, but instead he chose to give back. In 2018, he was both nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize and named Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation.
Credit: www.joseandres.com
“The Foundation is thrilled to name José Andrés as the 2018 Humanitarian of the Year. José’s work in Puerto Rico and Haiti shows how chefs can use their expertise and unique skills to enact profound change on a global scale. He has demonstrated how, at the most difficult times, hot-cooked meals provide more than nutrition, they provide dignity. José’s work serves as an important reminder of how precious and nourishing food can be. And we couldn’t imagine a more fitting honoree this year as we celebrate how chefs and our industry rise.” -Mitchell Reyes, Executive VP of JBF
Credit: www.joseandres.com
When the US/Mexico border crisis reached its peak late last year, Jose was working on his plans to open Jaleo. Yet he also took time to, as he put it, “do the right thing”. Jose responded with his team and was able to served upwards of 3,000 meals per day at the height of the crisis.
Credit: www.gettyimages.com
Jaleo
Jaleo marked the first Spain-inspired restaurant Disney Springs opened and so far is a hit with guests. Jose Andres is the mastermind behind the menu. He spent years touring the world and gaining culinary skills which helped create the line-up of Croquetas de pollo (chicken fritters), embutidos (cured ibérico ham, pork chorizo, and spreadable cured sausage), quesos, and much more.
Jose himself oversaw the design and development of his restaurant with one goal in mind- creating a space where guests feel welcome and are encouraged to explore. The looks of the exterior have it competing to be the most interesting architectural piece in all of Disney Springs. H
Have you visited Jaleo yet? If so, what did you think? Let us know in the comments below!
Ready to take your favorite Disney content wherever you go? Check out The Making Magic Podcast, covering all things Disney, hosted by myself and Greg Antonelle by clicking here, or over on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/making-magic/id1449862561?mt=2&i=1000427864780
Are you planning to book a Disney vacation for you and your family? I’d love to help! From hotel to FastPass+ reservations, I will help with each and every aspect of your trip. And the best part about my services is that they are completely FREE! You can find me over on Facebook, or contact me directly at msalerno@mickeytravels.com, or 800-308-6257. I can’t wait to start planning your dream Disney vacation!
