José Andrés' ThinkFoodGroup Announces Plans To Open Its Jaleo Spanish Flagship at Disney Springs

Andrés' ThinkFoodGroup is proud to announce that its popular Jaleo brand will be opening a new location at Disney Springs in 2018, bringing the spirit and flavors of Spain to the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The new Jaleo at Disney Springs will be Andrés' biggest and most spectacular location yet, housed in a dynamic, multi-level space at the iconic resort.

 

First opened in downtown Washington, D.C. in 1993, Jaleo represents the very best of Spanish cuisine and design, seen through the creative lens of Chef Andrés and his team. Jaleo offers an unparalleled tapas experience in a lively setting befitting its name, which means "revelry."  Its menu highlights the many facets of Spanish cuisine, both traditional and cutting-edge, featuring authentic wood-fired paellas and other Spanish favorites in addition to sangrias and a premier selection of Spanish wines.  With five locations currently in the Washington D.C. area, Las Vegas and Mexico City (named J by José Andrés), Jaleo opens for the first time in Florida, in the heart of internationally-renowned Disney Springs-the retail, dining and entertainment district inspired by Florida's charming waterfront towns, historic architecture and natural beauty.

 

Jaleo at Disney Springs will feature an extensive menu of tapas reflecting the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Highlights will include a variety of authentic paellas cooked over the wood fire, Spanish specialties such as hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork, as well as signature dishes such as Gambas al ajillo, shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili and Pollo Croquetas, classic, Spanish chicken fritters. On the restaurant's ground level, a grab-n-go storefront will offer signature Spanish-style sandwiches, or bocatas, of José's native Spain.  Jaleo at Disney Springs will also feature a robust wine program, sangria and a selection of cocktail offerings including modern interpretations and tableside preparations.

 

Designed by renowned Spanish designer Juli Capella, the multi-level space will feature a breathtaking new exterior architecture as well as a vibrant, theatrical décor representing the colorful, dynamic culture of Spain.

 

 

 (www.thinkfoodgroup.com)

Named one of Time's "100 Most Influential People" and "Outstanding Chef" by the James Beard Foundation, José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, author, educator, television personality, humanitarian and chef/owner of ThinkFoodGroup. A pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States, he is known for his avant-garde cuisine and his award-winning group of 27 restaurants throughout the country and beyond. His innovative minibar by José Andrés earned two Michelin stars in 2016 and with that, José is the only chef globally that has both a 2-star Michelin restaurant and 4 Bib Gourmands. Andrés' work has earned numerous awards including the 2015 National Humanities Medal, one of 12 distinguished recipients of the award from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

 

About Jaleo (www.Jaleo.com)

Since its debut in Washington D.C.'s Penn Quarter in 1993, Jaleo has evolved to represent modern Spain at every moment. With each extension in Maryland, Virginia, Las Vegas and most recently with J by José Andrés in Mexico City, it embraces the local community while staying true to its roots: providing a comfortable, welcoming space in which to explore, discover and share the incredible spirit of Spain. Renowned for its award-winning assortment of tapas, the traditional small plates of Spain, as well as savory paellas, sangrias and a fine selection of Spanish wines and sherries, Jaleo celebrates these flavors in a festive, inviting atmosphere. Jaleo is located in Washington, DC; Bethesda, Maryland; Arlington, Virginia; Las Vegas; Mexico City and will debut at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida in 2018.

 

About Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a one-of-a-kind retail, dining and entertainment district located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. With its namesake springs, beautiful open-air promenades and lakefront setting, Disney Springs evokes the charm of Florida waterfront towns at the turn of the 20th century. It's also home to a collection of more than 150 shops and restaurants, including top-name retail brands, specialty boutiques and dining experiences created by celebrity and award-winning chefs.  Located in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Disney Springs is open daily. 

Travelore Tips The Top 10 Hotel Restaurants In The World

Expense account or not, it’s always nice to sit down to a great meal when you’re on the road.

After a long day of travel and meetings, it’s a bonus if the hotel you’re staying at has a restaurant serving something beyond the stereotypical “hotel restaurant” food.

Daily Meal’s 2013 list of 101 Best Hotel Restaurants includes many places frequent business travelers already may be familiar with from conventions or other business functions, said Colman Andrews, editorial director of The Daily Meal. “Both business and leisure travelers appreciate the convenience and prestige—with business contacts—of having world-class dining right in their hotels,” he said. “This is especially true of business travelers on tight schedules.”

é by José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

The top spot on the list went to é by José Andrés, an exclusive dining space in chef Andrés’ Jaleo’s restaurant in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Guests are presented with a “secret,” multicourse tasting menu that, according to The Daily Meal, might include Spanish-influenced signature dishes such as secreto of Ibérico pork with squid and torta pascualete, described as “a type of Spanish cheese—with cotton candy.”

“I always wanted é by José Andrés to be a hidden surprise of Las Vegas,” said Andrés. “To be be able to create this unique experience every night in an intimate room inside Jaleo at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the middle of strip is what makes this restaurant very special”.

El Motel Restaurant at Hotel Emporda (Figueres, Spain)

“Hotel Emporda, a bare-bones hotel on the National Road between France and Barcelona, has always had a large clientele of merchants and business people from both sides of the border,” said Andrews. The hotel’s restaurant, El Motel, has been serving contemporary Catalan cuisine since 1961. In addition to a tasting menu and a market menu, the restaurant offers à la carte options and many “simple seasonal specialties like small squid sautéed with garlic and parsley.”

Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace (Las Vegas)

The menu at the two-Michelin star Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace mirrors that of its three-Michelin starred sister Restaurant Guy Savoy in Paris. So there’s no need to fly to France (or learn French) to dine on classic Savoy dishes such as “artichoke and black truffle soup garnished with toasted mushroom brioche and truffle butter.” As a bonus, the restaurant offers great views of the Las Vegas Strip.

Felix at The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

Renowned French designer Philippe Starck designed the Felix, which sits on the hotel’s rooftop and offers both a grand view of the city’s skyline and a menu (displayed on iPads) of modern European cuisine. We suggest you scroll through the list to find signature dishes such as marinated Tasmanian salmon with guacamole.

Emiliano Restaurant at Emiliano (São Paolo, Brazil)

This boutique hotel is popular with business travellers and welcomes guests with a complimentary 15-minute massage in the spa. Service at Emiliano Restaurant is equally attentive, with locally sourced, seasonal cuisine that has “a touch of modern Italian cooking style.” Among the highlights is a five-course tasting menu with dishes such as codfish confit with tomato preserves and shallots and a rack of goat with pistachio crust and eggplant parmesan.

Aubergine at L’Auberge Carmel (Carmel, Calif.)

Award-winning executive chef Justin Cogley forages in Monterey Bay for sea lettuces, sea beans and seaweed to include in the dishes on the seasonal menu atAubergine, just five blocks from the ocean. Many of the signature dishes are made with abalone grown locally for the restaurant. “When I came here just a few years ago the goal was for the restaurant to become a destination,” said Cogley, “So I’m so proud that we’re on this list with so many other illustrious properties.”

Livingstone Room at Victoria Falls Hotel (Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe)

While a jacket and tie are no longer required, the dress code at this still rather formal Colonial-style restaurant with terrace views of Victoria Fall remains “smart,” which means no jeans, sandals, shorts, sneakers or safari gear. In addition to formal British afternoon tea and an à la carte menu, The Livingstone Room offers a seven-course tasting menu with dishes such as Loch Fyne seared scallops with pea purée, herb salad, beet jelly, rocket pesto and a selection of Mozambican and South African cheeses served with raisins, chutney, celery and fruit bread.

Joël Robuchon Restaurant at MGM Grand (Las Vegas)

Considered by some critics as the best French restaurant in the states, chef Joël Robuchon’s 60-seat dining room at the MGM Grand has “knockout (and pricey) tasting menus, including a 16-course dégustation for $435.” They did say pricey.

Epicure at Le Bristol (Paris)

“Le Bristol is one of the more popular hotels for very high-end business travelers—CEOs, etc.,” said Andrews, and the clientele often dines at the hotel’s three-Michelin star restaurant, overseen by chef Eric Frechon and located next to the elegant French-style garden.

Man Wah at the Mandarin Oriental (Hong Kong)

Located on the 25th floor of the glamorous Mandarin Oriental, Man Wah offers panoramic views of Victoria Harbor and the Hong Kong skyline. Chef Man-Sing Lee designed the gourmet Cantonese menu. In addition to the dim sum selection, diners can choose a tasting menu or order specialty dishes such as steamed fillet of spotted grouper with crispy ginger, crabmeat and egg white sauce.

Article sourced from the Daily Meal.