WDW Dining Review: Chef Art Smith’s Homcomin’ (Disney Springs)
Earlier this week, I arrived at Walt Disney World with the hopes of spending a few days at the theme parks for the holiday season. However, the first evening I was there, I tested positive for Covid-19… which totally derailed my entire trip. Even though I was feeling fine, I tested positive after finding out that numerous family members that I saw back at home on Thanksgiving were now sick with Covid. All of my plans, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays, got cancelled. Friends I don’t see as often as I would like I had to see from a distance, if at all. I ended up leaving Orlando early so I could isloate and socially distance in cheaper locations where I could enjoy the outdoors without people all around me.
With all the being said, I was able to spend a few hours in Disney Springs with my friend Gina. We completed the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll 2022 (I will be reviewing that fun time this coming week), and enjoyed our first time dining at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, located in the The Landing near Morimoto Asia.
Chef Art Smith opened Homecomin’ in 2016, serving farm-to-table, Florida-inspired cuisine. Famously known for its fried chicken, hummingbird cake, brunch menu, and moonsine bar… this table-service location is always busy, and a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. So much so, that I have had a hard time getting Disney Dining reservations prior to arriving to Walt Disney World. Luckily, this time we were randomly trying for a walk-up reservation on the Monday right after Thanksgiving weekend… mid afternoon… and we lucked out!
And let me tell you, the food was even more amazing than I have been told by friends who visit here often. For starters, we enjoyed the Church Lady Deviled Eggs and the Bunch of (Hush)Puppies. The hushpuppies were a little spicier than I am personally used to or expecting, but the were still tasty. The deviled eggs… I could have eaten many more orders of those. Quite creamy with that perfect pieces of bacon on the top. Delicious.
For my entree, I enjoyed the Chef Art Smith’s Famous Fried Chicken. The chicken is brined in buttermilk for 24 hours, and then fried. So juicy and perfectly cooked. Came with mashed potatoes and gravy, a cheddar drop biscuit, and pickles. I could not have been more content eating comfort food… but then I added a side of Momma’s Mac and Cheese. Oh… wow. Simply heaven. The pictures do not do this food justice.
My friend Gina had The Art Burger (not pictured). It was a double smashed-patty burger with cheese and… well, it’s supposed to come with a bunch of toppings. I believe Gina only got lettuce on hers, and substituted the chips with french fries. She must have liked it, because there wasn’t much left to it when all was said and done.
Even though we were full (a lot of the chicken came back to my room with me), we couldn’t leave the place without trying the Hummingbird Cake. Didn’t even grab the dessert menu for this one, just straight up ordered it. It’s a pineapple-banana cake with cream cheese frosting.It was absolutely fantastic.
Overall, I don’t have anything bad to say about Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. I highly would recommend it to those visiting Disney Springs and looking for a great place to eat. I am so happy that they had walk-up reservations available when we were there. Highlight of my… afternoon… in Walt Disney World for sure.