Before the first slice of seafood ever meets the board behind the sushi counter at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Lead Sushi Chef Jose Fernandez Daboin is already thinking about the guest in front of him — where they’re from, which flavors remind them of home, and how he can surprise them with something unexpected.
Since the Spicy Kazan Roll and Surf & Turf Roll are two of the first flavors that guests may taste on their three-course culinary experience, Jose knows just how important it is to get every detail right.
From Line Cook to Sushi Artist
Jose’s skill and knowledge come from years of dedication to his craft. Before coming to Disney, he entered the culinary field as a line cook, working the hot line before a last-minute opportunity to cover a sushi station introduced him to an entirely new side of the kitchen. What began as a temporary assignment quickly became a passion.
“I realized sushi was completely different than what I was doing. It’s precise, it’s detailed, and there’s so much behind it,” Jose explains.
In 2020, Jose brought that growing skill set to Walt Disney World, first working in festival kitchens before returning to sushi at Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. He spent two years there refining his technique and discovering how Disney storytelling extends to the plate before bringing his talents to California Grill, where he now blends artistry, innovation, and global inspiration into every dish.
Where Global Curiosity Meets Guest Connection
Eager to continue growing and pushing culinary boundaries, Jose studies international cuisine when he’s not behind the sushi counter. Inspired by the popularity of Brazilian sushi, he began learning Portuguese to better understand ingredients and flavor preferences from around the world.
“I love getting to know where our guests are from and what they like,” Jose shares. “I follow sushi trends from different countries to learn best practices from around the world and bring them to California Grill.”
That dedication helps him anticipate what guests might enjoy and create experiences that feel both familiar and unexpected.
When a server mentioned a visiting family was from Brazil, Jose knew salmon and cream cheese were a popular pairing in their home country. He stopped by their table to suggest the custom addition to their order.
“Their reaction was everything,” he says with a smile.
Turning Every Bite into a Guest Memory
Whether he’s crafting a Hidden Mickey into a beautifully plated roll, inviting guests into the creative process through careful questions to gauge their taste preferences, or offering a single taste to spark curiosity, each guest interaction becomes an opportunity to turn a meal into a memory. For Jose, the most memorable part of every dish isn’t what’s on the plate — it’s the moment a guest feels seen, surprised, and right at home, all in a single bite.
“If someone is curious, we’re here for them,” he says. “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.”
Recently, Jose shared that same spirit of curiosity and creativity with Walt Disney World Ambassadors, guiding them through a fun, hands-on sushi-making experience featuring California Grill’s signature Spicy Kazan Roll.
That culinary magic continues across Disney parks. From sushi counters to confectionary kitchens, just like Jose, each chef brings their own flavor of Disney magic to the table. In celebration of National Culinary Arts Month go behind the nametag with five chefs who create Disney memories with a single bite.
