The Polite Pig – Healthy Options in Disney Springs
On a recent visit to Disney Springs, I was looking for a quick lunch that would meet my paleo diet guidelines. I found that at The Polite Pig. Yes, it was hard to pass up the smoked meats and ribs, but the salmon I had was certainly worth it.
Wait, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me start by telling you about my experience when I walked in the door. I have to say that the staff here is among the most attentive I have ever met in a restaurant. The first cashier that I spoke with was Amanda, and she immediately called out a chef for me, along with giving me the restaurant’s wonderful allergy guide. As you can see in the photo, they list every menu item and place an “X” in the column of what you should avoid based on your dietary needs or allergy.
After speaking with Chef Philip, Cashier Nyama took my order and asked me if I was an annual passholder for my discount. Since I tend to forget to ask, that was much appreciated.
Before I delve into the menu options for a paleo or keto diet, let me warn you it will be limited. However, do not feel as though you will be left out. My meal was fantastic.
Paleo Salmon Lunch at the Polite Pig
I was lucky to get to the restaurant early, so Chef Philip had plenty of time to go over the entire menu with me. As with most of the restaurants in Walt Disney World, The Polite Pig also uses a canola/olive oil blend. They rub it on all their meats except the ½ chicken, salmon, and ribs. Go ahead and rejoice rib lovers, unless you avoid sugar as on a paleo and keto diet. The rib rub does contain brown sugar, and the allergy guide lists soy, as well. If you are avoiding soy, you may need to stay away from the chicken. I will ask more about that on my next visit. Trust me; I will be going back again.
Now, the salmon has a maple glaze that is made of maple syrup and Dijon mustard that is reduced before glazing the cedar-planked salmon. Seasonings for the salmon include tarragon, chives, parsley, salt, and pepper. The salmon was moist, plentiful, and had that wonderful smoky flavor. I do not know what it is about restaurants throughout Walt Disney World, but I have never had a bad piece of salmon.
All fried sides are cooked in canola oil. The good news is that The Polite Pig does have extra virgin olive oil on hand. They also have a few different vegetables that they can prepare in one of two ways:
- Roasted in the oven
- Sautéed in EVOO
The vegetable options that meet the gluten-free, paleo, and keto diets include beets, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. On the menu, you will see that the roasted beets also include smoked pecan granola, goat cheese, yogurt, and oranges. The granola contains butter and sugar, so we left that off. I asked for the yogurt and goat cheese on the side since I wanted to taste it on my beets. Since the meal comes with one side, signature polite slaw, and cornbread, Chef Philip made me a double order of beets. It was a bit later that he suggested I also try the brussels sprouts. The beets were amazing either way – paleo or keto style with the dairy added.
On to the brussels sprouts. Chef Philip prepared them sautéed in EVOO with a little salt and pepper. They were delicious. My only wish is that they had removed the tough stems – which I suggested before I left. I would also recommend asking for some of the maple glaze that they put on the salmon. I think that would elevate them to a whole new level.
The BBQ cauliflower contains sugar, but they can make it the same way as the other two vegetables.
If desired, you could also opt for a salad, omitting any ingredients that do not meet your dietary requirements. They have both white and red wine vinegar that they can bring you along with extra virgin olive oil as a dressing. The tomato and watermelon salad does contain sugar.
If you are gluten-free, they do carry Udi’s buns, and that can also be substituted for the cornbread. I believe there is a $1 surcharge for the gluten-free bun. Unfortunately, there are no desserts here that fit these dietary requirements, but you are at Disney Springs. Plenty of other options are available, and you will want to walk off this meal. Not only was I full, but I brought home enough food for my daughter and her friend to share later that night for dinner.
All I can say is thank you to the staff of The Polite Pig for an incredible dining experience. (Oh, and do away with the canola rub please so that we can enjoy more of the smoked meats!)