There are restaurants named after a celebrity chef, and then there are restaurants where big name chefs are actually involved in the menu and operations. Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs falls into the latter category where the Iron Chef himself is actively involved in the menu creation and known to quiz servers when he’s in town. It’s a refreshing approach to the often disappointing world of celebrity chef restaurants.
We recently had the opportunity to meet this culinary genius and check out their new late menu in the Forbidden Lounge on the second floor. A departure from the main dining room, the upstairs offers an alternative dining experience. Besides sampling a myriad of offerings, the highlight of the evening was meeting Morimoto and snapping a picture with the master! Here’s what we sampled and sipped in the Forbidden Lounge:
Shichimi Spice Edamame ($6) – These soybeans come with a kick, a nice deviation from your standard sea salt covered pods.
Ahi Poke ($15) – My favorite small plate which features a nod to Chef Yuhi’s Hawaiian roots.
Portobello Mushroom Fries ($8) – Lightly battered and served with a side of mentaiko mayo, it’s an original take on your traditional late night fries.
Kurobuta Sausage Bao ($10, two pieces) – With Berkshire pork sausage, lettuce, cucumber and whole grain mustard. Reminiscent of a hot dog, but one that’s been upgraded with some Asian influence.
Menchi Katsu Sliders ($14, two pieces) – Prepare yourself for……wait for it…..a fried hamburger. The winner of the 2016 SOBE Burger Bash, and an item that is finely suited for a late night menu.
Chicken Wings ($12) – Coated in a spicy garlic soy sauce, our table devoured these pieces of poultry. A must order for your after-hours ventures.
Ramen ($16) – End your evening with a bowl of noodles and broth that takes 36 hours to create. This flavorful bowl is layered with flavor and handcrafted with care.
Aaand be sure to sip on some of these cocktails to quench your summertime thirst – Korean Ginger Heat, Summer Melon Patch, Beijing Bourbon Tea, Morimoto Soba Ale, cheers!
