Downtown Disney is officially Disney Springs, and with its name change has come several new shops, entertainment venues and restaurants, including The BOATHOUSE and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. Today, we’re excited to announce another new restaurant from celebrity chef Art Smith. On your next visit to Walt Disney World, be on the lookout for Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine, which will take guests on a farm-to-fork adventure beginning Summer 2016.
Art Smith is no novice to the culinary world. In fact, the chef was once Oprah Winfrey’s chef. He has also made several appearances on celebrity cooking shows including “Iron Chef America,” “Top Chef” and “Top Chef Masters.”
Smith’s roots are deep in Florida. He was born and raised in Jasper, Florida. His family owned a farm where they raised cattle, pecans and heirloom vegetables, so it is no surprise Smith wanted to go into culinary. Smith attended Florida State University and then did a culinary internship with the Walt Disney World College Program. Now, after 25 years of traveling the world, preparing mouthwatering dishes for Oprah Winfrey, heads of state and celebrities, Smith is coming home, right where his cooking career began.
You can get a taste of Smith’s best Southern dishes including pimento cheese, Church Lady deviled eggs, low country shrimp and grits, kale salad with Sweet Grass Dairy cheese and spiced pecans and a grilled Blackstrap pork chop with sawmill gravy. “Each dish has a little Florida twist and make guests feel like they’re on the back porch with me for every meal,” said Smith in an interview.
In addition to the down home comfort food, The Homecoming will also get your taste buds excited with specialty deserts including cakes, pies and sweets, all of which will be made daily and shipped from a bakery in Hamilton County.
The restaurant will also have a glass-walled show kitchen for guests to watch meals being prepared and the Southern Shine bar, featuring cocktails, punches and coolers.
The Homecoming is a perfect fit for Disney Springs, which offers a small town feel amongst unique shopping and entertainment venues. Stay tuned for more details about the restaurant, and get your Disney tickets right here on BestofOrlando.com!
Orlando, FL – 10/15/15
By: Jena Pugh | 
