A Plant-Based Review of Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
A rainy day in Disney Springs sought us to try a new venture in plant-based eating: Chef Art Smith’s Homcomin’.
Known for its famous southern fried chicken and classic southern sides such as mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, we were unsure about what their plant-based options would be and how they would taste in comparison to the quality of the rest of their menu.
Along the walls of the restaurant are some fun Disney touches, including this picture of Art Smith himself on the college program in 1982 as well as at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in 1972.
Another picture shows a letter from Kent Phillps on behalf of the Walt Disney World Resort to Art himself, dated February 2nd 1986.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is currently still using contactless menus when ordering food and drinks, and we have to say, this is maybe one of your favorite things that has stuck around since the pandemic.
After sitting down at the bar, the cast member told us that they can swap out any chicken on the menu for the plant-based Gardein chick’n and we decided to go for the famous Fried Chicken Sandwich with the Gardein replacement.
However, first of all: when in Rome, try …moonshine?
A trip to Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ wouldn’t be complete without trying some moonshine. We went with the Apple Pie a la Mode and the Moonshine Mash, which were delightful and went down incredibly easy- almost too easy!
Both came highly recommended and we can see why! The Apple Pie a la Mode tasted just like momma used to make (in a liquid form of course), with a kicking aftertaste.
The Moonshine Mash was a refreshing mix of watermelon with watermelon-infused moonshine and would be the perfect adult refresher on a hot Florida day.
Even with the restaurant being busy, and a plant-based order, our food came with minimal wait and we eagerly tucked in.
The homemade BBQ chips were delicious but definitely needed the drizzle to bring more flavor profiles to the table. We wish we’d have asked for an extra serving!
The fried chicken sandwich consists of the Gardein chick’n with hot sauce, aioli, lettuce, tomato and bread and butter pickles.
We’re unsure if the hot sauce even made it as there would definitely no kick to the sandwich, but the sandwich was still good nonetheless.
This is definitely a safe bet if you’re unsure of what plant-based options you have to eat while visiting Disney Springs.
I will, personally, not be rushing to Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ for a plant-based meal anytime soon, however, I would happily go again with carnivore friends and be assured by the option they have.