Jaleo to Debut at Disney Springs March 17

If you’ve been to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World lately, you might have noticed some changed. Let’s be honest, you’ve noticed a lot of changes. But today we’re talking about the brand new restaurant near Splitsville and the AMC Theaters. We’re talking about Jaleo and it’s opening this weekend, March 17th!

 

Jaleo is from acclaimed chef José Andrés and the ThinkFoodGroup. The word “Jaleo” means “revelry” which is exactly what this new addition to Disney Springs will be. The Disney Spring location will be the fifth Jaleo in the U.S., the first in Florida, and the largest location at this time. Jaleo represents the very best in Spanish culture and design, seen through Chef Andrés and his team.

The restaurant will offer an extensive menu of tapas which is what Jaleo is known for. The dishes will reflect the rich diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Some of the highlights will include authentic paellas cooked over a wood fired paella pit, Spanish specialties like hand carved Jamon Iberico de Ballota and wood grilled Iberico pork. There will also be signature dished like Gambas al ajillo, shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili, and Pollo Croquetas, a classic Spanish chicken fritter. If you need a drink to go with your amazing meal then you’re in luck, Jaleo will offer sangrias and a premier selection of Spanish wines.

 

If Jaleo wasn’t enough, on the front corner of the restaurant will be a quick service, Pepe by José Andrés. This is a very popular Spanish food truck in Washington, D.C. that they are creating to it’s first brick and mortar location. That’s very exciting news, especially when you read the menu! Pepe by José Andrés will offer a diverse menu of Spanish sandwiches, or bocatas. They will by offered both hot and cold, in addition to gazpacho and salads to go. You will also be able to grab a Spanish sangria which will come with sangria ice cubes! No diluted sangria from Pepe!

 

You might have noticed the interesting design of the building during construction of Jaleo and Pepe. I know I loved the unique roofing that you can see above the construction walls. The design is from Spanish designer Juli Capella. The architectural form of the building is inspired by the bold, playful nature of Spain. The design features petals that organically open, inviting guests to enter and experience the best that Spanish cuisine has to offer. The petals will form pergolas, which extend outdoors, allowing light to flow in and out. Personally, I can’t wait to see this design for myself as well as the food!

 

As I mentioned before, Jaleo opens on March 17^th for dinner. They will begin lunch service later in the month. Pepe will open for both lunch and dinner on March 17^th.

(All Photos Credit of Disney)

So, what are you most excited about with the addition of Jaleo and Pepe to Disney Springs?

 

Don’t forget to contact the official travel agent of the Disney Nerds Podcast, Once Upon A Time Travel, and book your trip today!