In spite of achieving great success in his life, Walt Disney was a man of simple pleasures. This simplicity can be seen in his animation, feature films and Disneyland. Whether it was because of his humble beginnings or not, Walt’s food preferences also veered towards simple, plain foods. “I have one comforting thought,” said Lillian Disney. “Food isn’t that important to Walt.” Diane Disney Miller said her dad had a simple palate and her husband Ron said, “He ate like a human being.”
Recently published by Disney Editions, “Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food,” written by Marcy Carriker Smothers, explores the culinary history of Walt Disney and the eateries of Disneyland. It’s a never-before viewed and fascinating new look at Walt and the history of “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
Disneyland’s Carnation Cafe
Smothers’ detailed history explores the numerous dining establishments at Walt’s various studios, as well as in each of Disneyland’s six lands. She also includes stories on what Walt liked to eat at home and away, as well as recently retired Carnation Café Chef Oscar Martinez and Tahitian Terrace’s Chef Hideo ‘Indian’ Aramaki. And as a special treat for Disney fans, Smothers included 42 favorite recipes.
A noted food personality, Smothers decided to write a book on Disneyland and food because “Disneyland is my favorite place on earth. From the beginning, I had a notion that Walt wanted the food at Disneyland to be immersive and entertaining, just like the attractions.”
At home, one of Walt’s favorite meals was chili. “Walt ate very plainly, according to his wife,” says Smothers. “He liked basic foods,” said Lillian Disney. “He loved chili.” Walt ate chili not only at home, usually a combination of Gebhard’s and Dennison’s canned chili, but also when he ate out at restaurants like Chasen’s in Beverly Hills.
Walt Disney’s handwritten list for his cook of his favorite dishes
In the “Walt At Home” chapter, Smothers also talks about the cooks that worked in the Disney household. In particular Bessie Postalwaite and Thelma Pearl Howard, who was affectionately known as Fou Fou.
Chapter 2 talks about Walt and the various food facilities at each of his studios. This chapter focuses primarily on the Burbank studio. Smothers goes into detail about Walt Disney’s Studio Restaurant (March 21, 1940 to Present), the Animation Coffee Shop (1940-41), The Penthouse (1940-79), Inking & Painting Cafeteria and Tea Lounge, the Coral Room (1956-86) and Walt’s Office.
Sketch of Aunt Jemina’s Kitchen/Disneyland
In the next six chapters, Smothers covers every quick service and table service restaurant in each of Disneyland’s six lands. In the chapter on Main Street U.S.A., she also included a section on Walt’s Apartment above the Firehouse. In it, based on a 1959 memo, Smothers lists what was to be stocked in the bar. These chapters cover favorite dining establishments – past and present including the Carnation Café, The Tahitian Terrace, Aunt Jemima’s Kitchen, casa de Fritos, Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant, the Blue Bayou, and Club 33.
Walt in the Plaza Inn
In addition to eating at home and on the studio lot, Walt frequented a number of restaurants in the Los Angeles area including Romanoff’s, Chasen’s Barclay Kitchen, the Brown Derby, and Perino’s – all of which are closed now. He also ate in a number of hotel restaurants including the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Beverly Hilton – which are still open. He also loved Tam O’Shanter, Clifton’s Cafeteria, Pink’s Hot Dogs and Smoke House.
The Maxwell House Restaurant Menu
The final chapter is a collection of recipes from some of Walt’s favorite foods, as well as Disneyland classics. Delicious treats include Soft Gingerbread, Chinese Candy Cookies, The Plaza Inn Apple Pie, the Tahitian Terrace Pineapple Polynesian Ribs and the Blue Bayou Restaurant’s Monte Cristo.
This book really is a must-have for any Disney fan. It not only gives a never-before told history about Walt and Disneyland, but also this book is filled with glorious photos and sketches – many seen for the first time – of Walt and Disneyland, as well as images of many of the various restaurants menus.
For those wondering about a similar book about Walt Disney World, don’t worry. “I am looking at the beginning of Project X in 1965 to the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 to Walt’s beloved EPCOT being realized in 1982,” says Smothers. “The big difference in the sequel will be that it’s not a time capsule of Walt’s lifetime; it’s about his legacy and vision, and those chosen and charged to preserve and advance it.”