Citricos Gluten-Friendly Dining
I finally made it to Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and my patience paid off with one of the best meals I have had in quite some time. With its quaint nods to Mary Poppins (one of my favorite movies), the retheming was elegant and welcoming. Many Citricos gluten-friendly dining options are available to satisfy both land and sea lovers.
The restaurant has a very open feel, with its curved areas and view of the kitchen. I can see myself easily coming back again and again.
You can see the many seating options available. I had asked for a table near a window, but rather than turn my back to the restaurant, I chose instead to face the open kitchen and watch the chefs at work.
Delicate touches, such as those on the backs of the chairs, helped bring a feeling of traveling back in time. Since I love purple, I felt quite at home dining here.
Throughout my dining experience, I watched people come and go from the bar. The bartenders were a pleasure to watch as they turned out colorful drink after drink.
Citricos Allergy Menu Options
I was lucky enough to be served by the knowledgeable and friendly Dan and the amazing Chef Andres. Dan kept my water glass continuously filled, which I always look for in excellent service. The allergy menu was well laid out, with allergens clearly marked. I had already narrowed my selection at home from the Disney website, previously looking over the Citricos gluten-friendly dining options before my visit.
Among my possibilities were the Strawberry Salad (a top restaurant specialty and favorite, as I heard Dan explain at every table), the Citricos House Salad, and the Citrus-Cured Hamachi. I did not know if I wanted to do fish for both the appetizer and entrée until after speaking with Chef Andres. Because both salads have vinaigrettes that contain canola oil, something I prefer to stay away from whenever possible, I was told they could make me a champagne vinaigrette instead. That is something to always ask for at table service restaurants if you are like me and prefer to avoid canola.
When I mentioned the Smoked Duck Breast being off the list due to the pasta aspect, the chef told me they do have gluten-free pasta; he was just unsure if it contained corn and would have to check. I never followed up with him because his explanation of the Hamachi had me sold.
I chose to avoid the Guava-Barbecued Short Ribs due to the higher sugar content (preferring to save that for dessert). The decision was between the Domestic Golden Tilefish and the Butter-Poached Florida Mahi-Mahi. Because I frequently cook Mahi at home, I opted for the Tilefish, something I do not think I have had. For those avoiding carbs, plenty of vegetables are available.
There is also an extensive wine list, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty drinks.
My Citricos Gluten-Friendly Appetizer
I asked Dan about the gluten-friendly bread options, as I had forgotten to ask Chef Andres. Moments later, I received a basket of perfectly warmed Bloomfield rolls with a dish of extra virgin olive oil from Spain in place of butter – at my request.
I am not a lover of Bloomfield rolls, but this is the first time I have ever received them cooked perfectly. There was no gummy texture, as is usually the case, even after they sat for a while. Dipped in the olive oil, I actually ate a few small bites.
I began my Citricos gluten-friendly dining experience with the Citrus-Cured Hamachi. In place of the Pasilla Oil, which is made with canola oil, the chef drizzled some Spanish olive oil over the top of the dish. I could not believe how small the starfruit pieces were – they were so cute.
If you are a sushi lover, do not pass up this dish. I cut the slices of Hamachi into tiny pieces with my fork to savor every delectable bite slowly. I used my spoon at the end to get up every last bit of the refreshing sauce on the plate. This is a paleo and keto dish I would come back for again and again.
The Blood-Orange-Puffed Tapioca was so good that I asked for a few extra pieces to enjoy. I ate one before taking the photo! After cooking tapioca pearls in water, they add blood orange and beet juice, spread it out in a thin layer on a tray, and dehydrate it overnight. The pieces are then fried in grapeseed oil and have the perfect touch of sea salt. I may have to try this at home or keep coming back to Citricos.
My Citricos Gluten-Friendly Entrée
After speaking with Chef Andres about the dish, I chose my Citricos gluten-friendly dining entrée of the Domestic Golden Tilefish. He makes everything sound amazing, so the decision can be challenging. Also, if you prefer, they will cook all your food in extra virgin olive oil or pure butter instead of canola oil.
We discussed the many vegetable options, and I had already mentioned the asparagus and local mushrooms from the Mahi-Mahi meal. Dan suggested Brussels sprouts, and we also decided to add them. I just realized that the dish was missing the Confit Tomatoes, and I am sad that I did not get to try them.
The portion size was plentiful and perfect. The Key West shrimp were delicious and cooked to perfection. There was an abundance of perfectly-cooked mushrooms, asparagus, and brussels sprout halves, and I have to admit I was pretty full by the last bite. I did drizzle the remaining Spanish olive oil over the dish towards the end.
While I would definitely order this meal again, there are many other dishes I would like to try.
My Citricos Gluten-Friendly Dessert
If you have read any of my previous reviews, you know I have an incurable sweet tooth, not to mention a love of chocolate. I will say I had every intention of trying the Orange Blossom Flan, as it sounded amazing. There is corn and soy in this dish, and because I had been so good with my meal, I opted to be decadent in my dessert choice.
My Citricos gluten-friendly dining experience ended with their 50th-anniversary Chocolate Torte. I am glad I did not skip this item, as the presentation was nothing I expected, and it blew me away.
The photos do not do justice to the beauty of this dish, right down to the cocoa leaf stenciling on the plate that matches that of the décor in the restaurant.
Oh my, where do I begin? We have chocolate financier, dark chocolate ganache, morello cherries, and vanilla mascarpone Chantilly. Yes, and lots of sugar and dairy. There is also soy lecithin in this dish, but no corn.
Gently removing the top pieces led to the cherry surprise below. Cutting open this decadent gluten-free chocolate heaven led to even more surprises. Ok, you have to try this for yourself – and fast – before the anniversary desserts are gone.
I would happily return just for the Hamachi and dessert and be fully satisfied!
For the latest Citricos menu, click here.