A two-time James Beard Foundation award winner, Chef Art Smith is a familiar face on the national food scene, with restaurants in Naples (FL), Chicago, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Television viewers know him from the "Today" show, "BBQ Pitmasters" and "Top Chef Masters." This sixth generation Floridian was Oprah Winfrey's personal chef for 10 years and cooked for two Florida governors in Tallahassee.
Chef Art's culinary influence is global. In 2012, he became part of U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Culinary Partnership, developed in conjunction with James Beard Foundation. He and other prominent chefs are dispatched around the globe to promote American cuisine and ingredients. His 2016 strategic missions have included trips to the Middle East and Cuba.
The name Homecomin' Florida Kitchen is a nod to Chef Art’s return to Walt Disney World after his first cast role in The Magic Kingdom College Program in 1981 – now known as the Walt Disney World College Program. Similarly, one of his personal projects is a cooking school in Jasper called Reunion. It's just one of his many initiatives to infuse the economy of his hometown.
Chef Art's hometown of Jasper is in Hamilton County in the northern lowlands between Jacksonville and Tallahassee and south of Valdosta, GA. Local poultry, beef, sugar cane, fresh pecans, citrus and more were important ingredients in his mother Addie Mae’s recipes. Her repertoire of hearty straightforward food continues to influence the family fare in his new restaurant where guests can expect cheese-laced drop biscuits, Chef Art's world-famous fried chicken, and exceptional fried green tomatoes topped with shaved country ham.
Homecomin' is a Walt Disney World restaurant paying homage to Florida’s rich agricultural heritage by highlighting local ingredients and farm-to-table cuisine. So come over, sip a handcrafted moonshine cocktail on our back porch and enjoy the bubbling springs backdrop.
No matter how far his travels have taken him – from being Oprah's personal chef to opening four incredible restaurants across the country – Celebrity Chef Art Smith calls Florida home. Now, Chef Art has returned to share his farm fresh Florida dishes with you.
Chef Art's Story
1602 East Buena Vista Drive,
Orlando, FL 32830
Phone: 407.560.0100
Fax: 407.560.0101
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Monday – Friday
11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday
9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Closing at 1:00 pm on:
Tuesday, November 10
Special discounts are available to Cast Members and First Responders / Military. Ask your server for details.