There’s big news this week regarding chefs at some popular signature dining restaurants throughout Walt Disney World! Chef shakeups at three spots may mean changes at some of your favorites. Read on for all of the details.
Chef Yuhi Fujinaga Takes on Role of Executive Chef at Morimoto Asia
Earlier this week, Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Patina Restaurant Group announced that Chef Yuhi Fujinaga had taken on the role of executive chef at Disney Springs’ Morimoto Asia.
Yuhi Fujinag, Morimoto Asia’s New Executive Chef (Photo ©Morimoto Asia)
Chef Yuhi first met the famous Iron Chef and restaurant mogul early in his career. “I met Chef Morimoto as a young chef in Hawaii, where I grew up. We bonded quickly over our love of fresh fish, big flavors and new cooking techniques,” said Chef Yuhi.
The Kitchen at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs
While the two chefs would run into one another throughout the years at various functions, Chef Yuhi went on to accept positions throughout Spain and later, in New York City. In fact, Chef Yuhi comes to Morimoto Asia from a position as Executive Chef at Patina Restaurant Group’s New York City-based Sea Grill.
We look forward to seeing what Chef Yuhi brings to the table at Morimoto Asia!
Chef Brian Piasecki Leaving California Grill
Thanks to Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide, we also have big news about the chefs who helm two of Walt Disney World’s most popular Signature Restaurants.
Joseph reported on Sunday that Brian Piasecki, Chef de Cuisine at the California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, will be moving on to an executive position within Walt Disney World.
Brian Piasecki, Chef de Cuisine at Disney’s California Grill Will Be Moving to an Executive Position Within the Company
Chef Piasecki, who has headed the fine dining spot for seven years, will be moving to the role of Executive Chef WDW Resorts, Moderate, Value, and Standalone DVC properties. While he says the decision to leave California Grill was a difficult one, he looks forward to the opportunities that await him in the newly created position. “…[T]he holistic scope of the opportunity will allow me to develop and grow in new ways,” said Chef Piasecki.
Oak Fired Filet of Beef, One of The More Recent Additions to the California Grill Menu
But he isn’t the only chef who will be leaving the Disney Signature kitchens.
Chef Tim Keating Leaving Flying Fish Cafe
According to Joseph, Executive Chef Tim Keating of Flying Fish Cafe at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn will also be departing his role.
Tim Keating, Chef de Cuisine at Flying Fish Cafe, is Reportedly Leaving The Walt Disney Company
Unlike Chef Piasecki, however, it doesn’t appear that Chef Keating will continue on with the Walt Disney Company. And so it appears that when Flying Fish Cafe reopens later this year after undergoing extensive renovations, they’ll have a new chef as well as a new look.
We Hope the Flying Fish Signature Duo Remains on the Menu!
As of press time, Chef Keating had not been reached for comment, and replacements have not been named for either chef.
Wow! That’s a lot to process! But now we want to hear from you. How do you think the departure of Chefs Piasecki and Keating will impact California Grill and Flying Fish Cafe? Leave a comment and share your thoughts with us!
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Will miss Chef Brian, how about some info on Chef Phil from Citricos ? We know Chef Jonathon went to Narcoossee’s. Phil and John are both fellow New Joiseyan’s.
Dave — Chef Phillip Ponticelli left Citricos to take a position at Disney’s Golden Oak.
Gonna miss Chef Tim. We really enjoy Flying Fish. Our favorite. And yes it’s because of the food too… They have a great staff there. Hope it doesn’t change too much when it reopens. Looks like that ship has sailed though.. They’ve lost their Captain. Sad!!! 8(
Frank
Flying Fish has always been one of our favorite signature restaurants. I suspect that with all the renovations and a new chef the menu and experience will be quite different when it reopens. I hope that it will be as good or better and that it will accept TiW . We can be certain that the prices will be higher. 😉
Paul,
I’ve been told that Flying Fish will maintain their “staple” items. I hope so. I love their steak.
But one never knows. I would think that even a restaurant head chef has to answer to some resort executive chef. I have no idea who that is for the Boardwalk.
Frank
Brian, Tim, and Phil are truly gifted leaders, teachers, motivators, chefs, and friends. I guarantee that Chef Brian and Chef Tim’s next steps will positive for themselves and The Company just as Chef Phillip’s movement to Summerhouse has been.
As for the venues they left behind, Citricos is in the hands of a veteran non-Disney chef who is making a new home at the Grand Floridian’s 2nd floor. Chef Dominique Filoni, who’s background is very French, is working toward making his mark with a Portuguese Flatbread, Ratatouille, and sous vide chicken. I look forward to trying it.
As a chef, California Grill has always been “the big chair” for DIsney. As a general rule, you’re cooking California Grill’s food, not so much your food. Though, Brian Piasecki certainly put his stamp on the menu with amazing flatbreads, a dynamite charcuterie, Monchong, and bison.
The one I’m really worried about is The Fish. Since masterchef Tim Keating took over for the great Jens Dahlmann, the culinary machine that is Team Fish [makes fin on head with hand] has functioned at the highest level. Team members (now spread throughout WDW) worked together like a symphony. Upon reopening, bringing back tier one crew members like Stig, LT, Derick, Brandon, Rob etc without O Captain My Captain, well, it just won’t be the same. A new era will soon be upon us. I’ll wait and see.
-Jym
Jym — I’m worried about The Fish, too. It was my favorite spot to wind down after a long day, and Chef Tim was a master. We’ll see…
I’m so disappointed to hear that Chef Tim is leaving the Flying Fish and Disney. Tim really brought the Flying Fish up from “meh” to a must do every trip for me.
Thanks Brooke. We had heard something like that but needed better confirmation.
Jym,
Isn’t it kinda funny that so many who dine there know everyone there.
I always find it strange that I’ve been greeted with the “welcome home” when I come to the resorts. At Flying Fish, I really do get a homey feel. We always eat at the bar and I’m amazed at how many who dine there know everyone. I hope that feeling continues under the new head Chef, whoever that may be.
Frank
Dave — I’m happy to help. Hopefully you’ll find lots to love about the new chef and his approach. 🙂
Frank,
I agree completely. Regulars are like family, especially at The Fish. Last time I came in, one-by-one, Stig, Chef Tim, LT, and Christine came by and sat for a few minutes. A couple of servers gave me a hug. The folks a couple of tables away asked Mikhail who I was and he said very animated with his accent “he is very famous chef”. One of the kids came and asked for my autograph. You just don’t get that at Denny’s.
-Jym
Very sad to hear of Chef Tims departure from the Flying Fish!!!
Disney please do all you can to win him back! Simply Irreplaceable! Tim, Stig,LT, and Christine and the newest crew are all fabulous together! Im suddeny not hungry thinking of FF without Tim Keating! He’s even helped my daughter along her culinary pursuit! He is a very genuine person who we hope will come back one day!!
Just went to Flying Fish. Very disappointed, not the same restaurant, none of the favorites are on the menu. Did not find anything special about the food and each person in our party got a different dish.
Missing Chef Tim’s signature dishes, wish they would have kept some of the great dishes on the menu.
After 15 years of visits, need to find a new favorite restaurant as this one is not on the list anymore.
Patti,
Thx for the report. We had reservations for a December visit, but cancelled last week based on several reports that mirror yours.
Used to be our”go to.” Could always find something terrific that pleased.
I look at the current menu and it just doesn’t appeal to me. Sad.
We still enjoy Shula’s in the Dolphin, but so many other restaurants fail to provide the spark that makes me want to go.
Frank