Chef José Andrés is bringing his Jaleo restaurant concept to the Disney Springs dining mix. In addition to the Spanish style food, the look of the restaurant has been turning heads during construction. The striking design of the restaurant is a partnership between Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup and Spanish design firm Capella Garcia Arquitectura.
We’ve been following the construction since day one. The demolition of the former Wolfgang Puck Cafe location actually left one small section of the kitchen area standing, so technically this is a remodel, not new construction.
The Design:
Based on the colorful iconography of Spain, the architectural form of the building is inspired by an artichoke, a vegetable native to José’s homeland. The artichoke structure opens up, inviting guests to enter and experience the very best of Spanish cuisine. The petals themselves form pergolas, which extend toward the outdoors.
The freestanding, two-story building lacks solid walls and is completely open to the outside, with large windows offering views of the lake while protecting diners from the sun.
The interior features a double height central courtyard that visually connects the restaurant’s two floors. Private dining options include two terraces, one overlooking the Disney Springs promenade and another overlooking the lake.
“There are no cubic forms, no opaque walls, no straight lines: here reigns a plant-like organic structure with its dynamic forms. An avant-garde, expressionist and welcoming architecture,” said Juli Capella, principal at Capella Garcia Arquitectura.
The idea of Jaleo, the Spanish word for “revelry,” inspires the large, family-style gathering space, inviting guests to share tapas and sangria, gather with family at the foosball tables, or enjoy the more elegant central seating for paellas and grilled meats, anchored by the restaurant’s open kitchen and wood fire grill.
Typical Spanish colors of citrus, namely orange and lemon, offer a welcoming ambience alongside predominant touches of wood and ceramic materials. Stunning artwork includes the “Suit of Lights,” an iconic photo of a bullfighter’s suit from Spanish photographer Rafael Vargas, as well a collage of San Sebastian’s popular Concha beach by photographer Ciuco Gutiérrez, bringing the Spanish landscape closer to Walt Disney World Resort.
With these visual elements drawn from the culinary delights and landscapes of Spain, Andrés and Capella aim to surround visitors in the culture of their native country and all its creativity.
Do you plan to visit Jaleo when it opens at Disney Springs later this winter? Let us know in the comments below!
Previously: ‘Pepe’ Grab-and-Go Food Counter opening inside Jaleo.