Meet the Master Sushi Chef Elevating California Grill
Sushi chef Jose Fernandez Daboin at Disney’s California Grill believes that the best meals begin long before the first slice of seafood touches the cutting board. At the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Lead Sushi Chef Jose blends world-class artistry with personalized guest connection to make every dining experience truly unforgettable.
Related – Your Guide To Where to Find DOLE Whip at Disney World
Chef Jose’s journey into sushi-making started as an unexpected twist of fate. Originally working as a hot-line cook in the culinary world, he took a last-minute shift covering a sushi station — and instantly fell in love with the precision and detail of the art form.
After joining Walt Disney World in 2020, Jose refined his skills in festival kitchens and at Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort before bringing his talents to California Grill. Today, he helps craft fan-favorite dishes like the Spicy Kazan Roll and Surf & Turf Roll, two highlights of California Grill’s famous three-course signature dining menu.
What truly sets Chef Jose apart is his passion for global flavor trends and genuine guest connection:
- Global Inspiration: Jose studies international sushi trends from around the world and even began learning Portuguese to better understand Brazilian flavor preferences.
- Custom Culinary Touch: When he learned a visiting family from Brazil was dining at California Grill, he stopped by their table to suggest a custom salmon and cream cheese addition — a traditional pairing in Brazilian sushi culture.
- Little Moments of Magic: Whether he’s hiding a subtle Hidden Mickey into a plated roll or chatting with guests at the counter to gauge their taste preferences, Jose treats every plate as an opportunity to create a lifelong memory.
“In other places, an order might just be another ticket. Here, I work with guests beyond the menu, crafting flavors just for them. At Disney, it’s about making magic, and that’s what sets us apart.” — Chef Jose Fernandez Daboin
If you’re planning a special dinner at California Grill during your next Walt Disney World trip, be sure to stop by the sushi counter and say hello to Chef Jose!
When you’re ready to book that Disney trip, contact our partners at Get Away Today!
Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
