Behind the Scenes of Disney’s First MICHELIN-Starred Restaurant 

So, what does it take to run a world-class restaurant? According to Maître d’Hôtel Israel Pérez, winner of the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Florida Service Award, the secret ingredient is teamwork. It takes a team of dozens — made up of stewards, servers, cooks, chefs, housekeepers, florists, purveyors and more — to pull off this intricate experience.

“Our heart is what sets us apart,” says Israel. “Every step is done with passion and purpose, and that’s what has led us to the success we have now. It takes preparation, skill and artistry. Each person and role matters, and the core of the restaurant is the people who are supporting us.”

Before the doors even open, Israel meets with Joseph and Linda from the seating team to learn about every guest who will be joining them for dinner. They take time to memorize their names, special occasions and any other details they share in advance.

No detail is too small for Stewards Sebien and Diane, who meticulously tend to the tableware. Servers Craig and Matt prepare welcome cocktails and pull wine bottles from a carefully curated collection of more than 500 selections.

Beyond the kitchen doors, Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers and his culinary team plan and prepare multiple courses with global influence. The tasting menu evolves regularly to showcase seasonal flavors and elevated techniques.

“We’re inspired by ingredients from all over the world,” says Chef Matthew. “That’s chiefly what drives me now: What are the ingredients I find the most compelling and enjoyable, and how can I feature them in a way that’s exciting for our guests to experience?”

Like a well-oiled machine, everyone works together to ensure quality and precision in each bite, from the purveyors who source the finest proteins and produce to the chefs who find creative ways to present the ingredients and honor where they came from.

As an assistant sous chef, Mateo Hernandez plays an integral role in setting his team up for success. He comes in early to ensure the products we receive are of the highest quality and works with the reservation team on menu customizations. He is known for his resourcefulness, attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

“I’m here to grow and to surround myself with people who are better than me,” says Mateo. “Effective communication is crucial. We don’t leave any loose ends.”

Putting the crowning touches on an unforgettable meal is Pastry Chef Ally Rogers. Along with her talented team, Chef Ally thoughtfully creates a selection of exquisite desserts that complement the seasonal menu.

Each artful dish and expert beverage pairing is enough to make this a must-experience dining destination for any culinary fan, but it’s the cast members who make it truly magical.

“Hopefully, when guests come experience Victoria & Albert’s — from the food to the harp to the china — they can feel the love we have for it,” says Chef Matthew. “This may be the only time they try a turbot, and Mateo made sure it was beautiful. Israel poured the perfect glass of wine with it. As a collective, we made sure all the components of the dish were done well.”

In addition to their MICHELIN Star, the team is the only in Florida (and one of only 26 others in the country) to have earned both the AAA Five Diamond and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards, among other distinctions.

“Nothing would be possible without our team,” says Israel.

Interested in helping create next-level food & beverage experiences at Disney? Visit DisneyCareers.com to learn more.

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