Meet the Chefs Responsible for New Signature Dining Menus
Today is a momentous day for Chef Noah Estabrook and Chef de Cuisine Matthew Birch who are each leading their own signature dining restaurants at Walt Disney World. Both chefs are finding delectable ways to honor classic dishes that guests love with fresh new food and beverage offerings debuting this month!
Narcoossee’s – Reopening TODAY- April 1st
Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa officially reopens today, welcoming fans of this Grand Floridian signature dining spot with a soothing new space that celebrates coastal cuisine. The new interior includes soft blue and green details and hand-painted artwork designed to take guests on a journey from land to sea as they move through the restaurant.
Narcoossee’s has long been a fan favorite for its stunning waterfront views of Magic Kingdom and its menu brimming with sophisticated seafood dishes. Chef Noah Estabrook and his team have created a new menu inspired by flavors that are local to Florida and the Southeastern Coast.
Chef Noah joined the team at Citricos straight out of culinary school and has worked his way up through the ranks to become Chef at Narcoossee’s. In his role, Chef Noah has created a menu of creativity and comfort. He believes dishes should be approachable but also artful. The restaurant also sources a wide array of sustainable items and fresh ingredients.
One of the menu highlights is an Ocean-Inspired Charcuterie Board. This unique take on charcuterie features ahi tuna pastrami, charred octopus and house-made sausage from the sea. Each of the sections of this appetizer was inspired by a different Disney Chef.
“We took inspiration from a traditional charcuterie board and translated it to coastal seafood,” said Chef Noah. “We made a sausage from the sea as a nod to Chef Scott, because he taught us how to make it at Victoria & Albert’s. We cure the ahi tuna, smoke it and spice it just like pastrami. And then the charred octopus on there is an interesting addition to the whole plate.”
Those looking for the ultimate comfort food need look no further than the Shrimp and Grits. The inspiration for this dish harkens back to Chef Noah’s early days as a chef working in the kitchens in Charleston, South Carolina.
The opening of Narcoossee’s is part of a multi-year transformation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. You can check out the full Narcoossee’s menu here.
Creating Contemporary Dishes at California Grill
Next, we head over to another popular Signature Dining Spot, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here Chef de Cuisine Matthew Birch has created a new 3-cours selection menu also, It features contemporary market-inspired cuisine.
Chef Matthew started his Disney Career as part of the culinary program. He would later work in various roles throughout Walt Disney World before stepping into his current role as Chef de Cuisine. “When I got here, I fell in love with it,” said Chef Matthew. “It’s so unique. The California Grill dining experience is probably one of the most iconic things you could do when you’re a guest coming to visit Walt Disney World.”
California Grill, which sits at the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort boasts its own stunning views of Magic Kingdom and, as it’s name suggests, has a menu inspired by the best of California cuisine. New dishes on the three course menu will include Goat Cheese Raviolio, Fire-Roasted Venison and Lemon Chiffon Cake!
Reservations for both of these restaurants are strongly encouraged and can be made 60 days in advance. If you’re lucky enough to dine at either of these eateries in the month ahead, be sure to give your compliments to the Chefs!
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates. We’ll be coming to you LIVE! from the theme parks each and every week.
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