Walt Disney World Receives First MICHELIN Star for Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant
The talented culinary team at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa was recently awarded a highly coveted MICHELIN Star! This is Disney’s first restaurant to receive a MICHELIN Star, and the first restaurant owned and operated by a U.S. theme park destination to have the distinction.
Additionally, Maître d’Hôtel Israel Pérez was also honored by MICHELIN with the 2024 Florida Service Award for his dedication to providing outstanding guest service.
For over 20 years, Victoria & Albert’s has been impressing Guests with a multi-course experience, filled with bold flavors and the highest quality of ingredients from across the world. Beyond the thoughtfully hand-crafted dishes, the team has curated a world-class wine collection featuring more than 500 different selections. Sommeliers guide guests through the precisely selected collection — or recommend options from a zero-proof beverage menu — to create the perfect food and beverage pairing.
The Team Behind the Magic
The culinary team is led by Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers, who has spent nearly 20 years at Victoria & Albert’s. Before leading the team at Victoria & Albert’s, he assisted in the creation of acclaimed menus for Remy on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by MICHELIN for the innovative dining experience our team brings to life here at Victoria & Albert’s,” said Chef Matthew. “Everybody on our team earned this Star, from our stewards to our culinarians to our pastry chefs, and we hope to inspire future generations of culinary professionals to follow their dreams.”
For over 20 years, Sommelier Israel Perez, now the recipient of the 2024 Florida Service Award, has created memorable experiences at signature restaurants across Walt Disney World. As the Maître d’Hôtel, Israel and his team ensure that each person who walks through the doors of Victoria & Albert’s has a perfect evening through every step of service.
“Just like a dance, there are many tiny steps that come naturally after years of dedication,” said Israel. “Everything is done with purpose, and it is beautiful when the tempo is perfect.”
Alongside Chef Matthew, Pastry Chef Ally Rogers oversees the sweeter side of the kitchen by leading the entire pastry team for both the restaurant and the resort. Executive Chef Kevin Chong oversees the 13 food and beverage locations at Grand Floridian Resort. Last but certainly not least is Culinary Director Chef Scott Hunnel, who was at the helm of Victoria & Albert’s for many years and now provides his expertise and mentorship to culinary teams across multiple Disney Resort Hotels at Walt Disney World Resort.
In addition to now being the first and only restaurant owned and operated by a U.S. theme park destination to hold a MICHELIN Star, Victoria & Albert’s is the sole location in Florida to hold the honor of having both the AAA Five Diamond, consecutively since 2000, and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards, consecutively since 2018, and the one of only 26 others in the nation with this same unique distinction. It also has been awarded Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence and Florida Golden Spoon Hall of Fame – American Regional.
PHOTOS: © Walt Disney World Resort. All Rights Reserved.
Post a Comment