Hollywood Brown Derby, located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is hands down our favorite restaurant in all of Walt Disney World Resort for gluten free/allergy dining! We just gave away the ending, but please read on for all the delicious, decadent details of our latest visit to Hollywood Brown Derby.
The Brown Derby is our “must do” Signature Dining in Disney. They have always provided trusted attention to our allergies and dietary needs. In the past, the server has asked the chef to consult with us about our allergies, but this time the server felt confident in relaying our needs and we felt confident in our server to be diligent. We often find, especially in Disney dining, that gluten free accommodations are fairly standard, but we have an added allergen in xanthan gum which can get tricky. Also, sometimes, the chef can alter dishes to meet allergen needs. So be sure to ask your server or chef if they can modify any other menu items to meet your food allergy restrictions.
Drinks are first! Brown Derby’s cocktail menu is extensive, including specialty martinis and even a martini flight. This time, we ordered a “custom” that we like to call a deconstructed Grey Goose martini. We ordered the brine – olive juice – and dirty rocks on the side also. It was made perfectly so we can adjust our own dirty! Our server even asked the bartender to check olives for xanthan gum.
Let’s talk appetizers! Brown Derby has some of the best appetizers on Disney property. We started with the Sea Scallops served with pork belly, tomato jam, and pea tendrils. No modifications needed for this appetizer. The scallop – pork belly combination was savory and tasted fantastic. It was amazing and we will definitely order again! Our other appetizer was Tuna Carpaccio Nicoise. This appetizer seems to have replaced the Beef Carpaccio available a few years ago and one of our favorites. The tuna version was also very good. We loved the quail egg on it! It was modified for our allergies by eliminating the olive toast.
No matter how many times we’ve eaten at The Hollywood Brown Derby, we still share Our Famous Cobb salad. It is already on the allergy menu as gluten free and since most of their dressings are house made, we had no problem with dressing – gluten free and no xanthan gum. You can never go wrong with Cobb salad, everything finely chopped, fresh, and mixed right at your table. We love it so much, we make a copycat recipe at home!
On the allergy menu, there is normally a seasonal fish option and today we had a Rainbow Trout presented with greens and mushrooms. Crispy skin, savory sauce, and fresh greens made this a light refreshing dish. The Chef did not need to modify for gluten free or xanthan gum.
No dessert this time, but we usually get the creme brulee´ even though not listed for gluten allergy, they have been able to modify. A flourless chocolate cake is also available gluten free.
