Chef Yuhi Fujinaga: Morimoto Asia

After years of working at Michelin-starred restaurants, Chef Yuhi Fujinaga recently assumed responsibility as Executive Chef overseeing daily operations at Morimoto Asia, a new pan-Asian restaurant concept at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in Orlando FL.  The restaurant is the brainchild of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and is his first-ever pan-Asian restaurant. Chef Yuhi first met Chef Morimoto as a young chef in Hawaii and they bonded quickly over their love of fresh fish, big flavors and new cooking techniques.

Chef Yuhi’s career training began at an early age, drawing inspiration from his Japanese heritage and upbringing in Hawaii, where he learned to cook from his grandmother.  From her, he learned the importance of using only the highest quality ingredients in his culinary techniques. Yuhi began his formal culinary training at the Culinary Institute of the Pacific in Hawaii. His career trajectory took him from Honolulu to New York and Spain and finally, to Disney Springs.

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In his job as Executive Chef, Chef Yuhi collaborates with Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto on menu seasonal changes, specials and the new omakase program, where customers permit the chef to make their sushi selections.

The menu includes morimoto peking duck carved and served with traditional flour pancakes and dim sum. Another favorite is duck ramen featuring Peking duck broth and pulled duck meat with egg noodles and soy marinated egg. The menu is richly enchanting and is a showcase of Asian flavors and traditions from across the continent including China Japan, Korea, Thailand and even Malaysia. The restaurant formally opened on Sept 30, 2015.

Japanese Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto is acknowledged as one of the most inventive forces in Asian cuisine and he has chosen The Landing at Disney Springs as the venue for his very first “Pan-Asian” restaurant. Morimoto Asia offers an entirely new dining experience for guests, including unique exhibition kitchens that provide behind-the-scenes views into traditions like Peking duck carving and dim sum. The restaurant’s massive, 2-story interior includes glittering 20-foot-long chandeliers, Shanghai-influenced lounges, private dining spaces and a second-level sushi bar and lounge. The scale and artistry of this signature dining location is a visual delight – but wait until you taste the incredible food!

Visit Morimoto Asia Website