Disney has announced that The Polite Pig has an official opening date! This much-anticipated dining location will open in Town Center at Disney Springs on April 10.
The husband-wife team, award-winning Orlando Chefs James and Julie Petrakis, are also the owners of The Ravenous Pig and Swine & Sons in Winter Park and Cask & Larder at the Orlando International Airport. They are opening this newest location alongside James Petrakis’ brother Brian.
The menu will feature “modern barbecue” prepared in an open kitchen, along with Southern sides such as a tomato and watermelon salad, mac and cheese, and smoked corn with lime butter. There will also be a bar with seven different barbecue sauces from Layla’s Sweet to Fresno Hot Sauce. Also included on the menu will be a selection of craft beers and cocktails, featuring a bourbon bar with more than 50 selections from small batch bourbons to a Pappy Van Winkle 23-Year Family Reserve.
The Disney Parks Blog had the chance to sit down with Julie Petrakis and asked some questions about this new location:
Why did you decide to open a restaurant at Disney Springs?
Disney approached us with the idea of opening a fast-casual outpost that would represent the atmosphere and quality of our Winter Park location, The Ravenous Pig. We shared their enthusiasm for bringing a true local restaurant to Disney Springs.
Is the menu similar to The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder, your other restaurants in Central Florida?
I would say that the menu is similar in its approach to using quality, seasonal ingredients, with our signature touch. We’ll have Cask & Larder Brewery beers, cocktails on tap and also an extensive Bourbon Bar. And this restaurant will focus a bit more on wood-smoked and grilled items.
Anything you’ll offer at The Polite Pig that will be a signature, or exclusive to that restaurant?
Most of the menu will be exclusive to The Polite Pig: modern barbecue with The Ravenous Pig twist. Like the Southern Pig Sandwich with pulled pork off the smoker, apple slaw, mustard sauce and Duke’s mayo; peel-and-eat shrimp with bourbon-cocktail sauce, and crispy Brussels sprouts with whiskey caramel.
Who will be the chef daily in The Polite Pig kitchen?
We have two of our Ravenous Pig/Cask & Larder veterans at the helm, Jared Thate and Allie Weldon, along with Chef James Petrakis’ guidance and inspiration.
Tell us about the craft beer program.
We will feature four of our beloved Cask & Larder Brewery brews on tap, as well as a couple other Florida/domestic craft beers.
Anything special about The Polite Pig cocktails?
We will feature five house cocktails on tap, including some of our crowd favorites from The Ravenous Pig, such as the Gin and Tonic and Old-Fashioned.
How many seats and describe the décor.
We’ll have 190 seats, and the décor pays homage to the beloved swine of The Polite Pig, as well as antiquity. Whimsical pigs on various adventures can be seen throughout the space, and rustic touches are used for custom featured art pieces. Large faded graphics also adorn the main wall of the space adding to the feel of the long-time family-run business.
What’s your favorite dish on The Polite Pig menu?
My favorite appetizer is the Hop Salt Pretzel with beer cheese fondue and IPA mustard. Favorite sandwich: the Salmon BLT with bacon jam, marinated tomato, romaine, and aioli. I love that with a side of charred broccoli tossed with herb buttermilk dressing and house granola.
What do you think is the secret to good food?
Using quality seasonal ingredients and taking great care of it by enhancing with smoke/cooking, proper seasoning, and passion!
Photo and news source: Disney Parks Blog
