There is magic to be found in many different ways when on a trip to Disney. Whether it is in the parks, resorts, or even the cruise line, there is no shortage of ways to get some Disney magic. A favorite way for many involves the culinary magic that comes from the Disney chefs around the globe. One of these chefs can be found at the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Disney has shared the story of Lead Sushi Chef Jose Fernandez Daboin. He considers the guests who will eat what he prepares and the experience they will have. Read about Chef Daboin below. Stories like his are being shared as Disney celebrates National Culinary Arts Month.

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.”

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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.