PLANT-BASED PICKS FROM CHEF GARY AND CHERYL
• Fruits of the Forest ( black currant mousse , blueberry sorbet , macerated berries , hibiscus cake ) at Topolino ’ s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera .
• Felucian Kefta and Hummus Garden Spread at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo .
• Perkins Thai Noodles at Jungle Navigation Co . LTD Skipper Canteen .
• Chili-Spiced Crispy Fried Tofu Bowl at Satu ’ li Canteen .
• BBQ Jackfruit Burger at Regal Eagle Smokehouse : Craft Drafts & Barbecue .
• Plant-based Blueberry Doughnuts at California Grill .
WHAT ’ S IT ALL ABOUT ? “ Plant-based ” is a relatively new term in the culinary lexicon , but the idea of substituting meat and animal products in cooking is certainly not . Whether for personal health , lifestyle diet choices , environmental reasons , or just general curiosity , a whole world of meat alternatives now exists , opening new culinary possibilities . A growing number of people may not be ready to commit to a vegetarian diet but want to explore this plant-based world . So what exactly is plant-based dining ?
We asked Cheryl Dolven , Manager , Food & Beverage Health & Wellness , Walt Disney World Resort Development , Optimization and Standardization , to tell us how WDW defines plant-based dining . She put it simply : “‘ Plant-based ’ [ means ] options made without animal meat , dairy , eggs , or honey and instead created only with plant foods — including vegetables , fruits , grains , nuts , seeds , and legumes .” These dishes are for everyone , not only meant for vegans anymore .
Whatever a guest ’ s motivation is , it ’ s clear that there is a desire for more options that suit changing dietary requirements in the world today , and time spent on vacation is no exception . Thanks to the rising popularity of plantbased diets , there are more options than ever when it comes to meat alternatives . Newer products like soy and pea proteins are quite popular and effective at mimicking the desirable
Jungle Navigation Co . LTD Skipper Canteen doesn ’ t just serve up great food , its an extension of the Jungle Cruise experience . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG