Since opening in 2016 in Disney Springs, Chef art Smith’s Homecomin’ draws large interest from diners. This restaurant currently ranks as the most searched for restaurant at Disney Springs via MouseDining. With over 20 table service dining options, that ranking says something about people’s desire to eat here. The delectable comfort food here provides a great experience. The service at Homecomin’, though often slow, brings excellent “Southern” hospitality.

For example, during a recent trip to Homecomin’, our server Anthony treated everyone wonderfully. The dining experience took well over an hour though. In fairness, we did order lots of food and beverages. My dining companions ordered a shine flight this afternoon which added to the fun and length of our dining experience. For the record, they enjoyed their flight of beverages. This afternoon, I stuck with my refillable sipper cup to support by diet soda addiction.

One of my primary intentions for this trip revolved around ordering an appetizer that I had not eaten at Homecomin’ previously. I went to order it and noticed it was no longer on the menu. I asked our server Anthony about it. He quickly told me that they still had it. He said it was now on the “secret menu.” Apparently, this secret menu item hides better than the secret menu item at “Skipper’s Canteen” at Magic Kingdom.

The secret code name for this appetizer currently is “Gator Sticks.” Now, those should not be confused with the “Gator Bites” served here. These “Gator Sticks” do not taste like gator. They are “Okra Fries.” Okra Fries used to be on the appetizer menu at Homecomin’. The old description of these read “hand-cut okra, lightly battered and crispy fried, and served with their delicious icebox dressing.” I did notice the price went up to $16 now.

Okra Fries fit the southern comfort food setting at Homecomin’ well. I respect that many of you cringed when I told you these were okra with a code name of “Gator Sticks.” However, I enjoy fried okra. Based on my family of origin, I have enjoyed excellent well-prepared fried okra. If you have eaten less than well-prepared okra, then you have every reason to cringe at this secret menu appetizer.

So how were these okra fries? First, the portion size even for $16 provides plenty of food for everyone. I found myself overwhelmed by the large number of okra fries given. I ate most of them but I could not even eat all of them. Second, these matched well with the icebox dressing. The icebox dressing here somehow tastes better than it should for a relatively simple dressing. Third, the okra fries presented a solid flavor and were well prepared.

On the negative side, based on preparation style, you might want to cut these okra fries into smaller bites. The texture of some of the okra fries might be challenging for some to eat. There will be no delicate dainty bites of these creations. Okra often can be chewy so some pieces might taste that way.

Overall, I found “Gator Sticks” enjoyable. Clearly, the portion size earns high marks. However, I think many people will be too overwhelmed with this style appetizer. With all the great food at Homecomin’, using valuable stomach space on this appetizer seems unwise. However, if you have a large group wanting to split a unique appetizer, this one makes a terrific choice.

Finally, if you have read some of my other dining reviews at Homecomin’, then you know this place makes a challenging advance dining reservation to get. For this most recent trip, I personally used MouseDining.com alerts to adjust this reservation at least ten times. I wish I was exaggerating. I changed days, time of day, and number of people several times. Though I got a bit concerned, every change was met by an alert from MouseDining eventually. Since Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ ranks as the most searched for advance dining reservation, I became a pleased customer.

Whether you want the Chef Art’s Burger, these “Gator Sticks”, Mama’s Mac and Cheese, the Church Lady Deviled Eggs, or just yummy chicken, Homecoming’ offers great food. As always, eat like you mean it!