Hands down, one of my favorite U.S. cities is New Orleans.  In fact, the whole reason I started The Episodic Eater was because I just loved the food when I was on vacation almost a year ago.  It has been a while, but with Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen I don’t have to miss out on the food and music of New Orleans that I love so much!

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, which is a part of the Brennan family restaurant group, is located right here in Southern California, so I can have my Louisiana food fix any time at all!  First of all, it is located in the Downtown Disney District, so you know that the entire ambiance replicates the French Quarter experience.  Last time I dined here, we were in one of the dining rooms upstairs.  This time we decided to eat in the outdoor courtyard and then listen to some fantastic jazz at Flambeaux’s next door, later on in the evening.

Are you ready to check out some delicious food now?  Let’s get to it!

At the suggestion of our fantastic waiter, we started with what I thought might be an ordinary garlic bread.  Typically, I am not a fan of garlic bread anyways, so I was expecting to have my dinner date eat most of the dish.

Boy was I wrong!!!  We had to play a quick game of rock-paper-scissors to see who had the last piece.  If you are a fan of garlic bread, this is right up your alley, and if you are someone who is on the fence about garlic bread (like me), then this will change your life.  Still not convinced?  Take a look at the oozy, cheesy, goodness inside…

I loved this!  It was wonderfully colorful, bright, and filled with super fresh ingredients bursting with flavor.  Yum!

I am a fan of shrimp dishes, and this is now one of my new favorites!  Perfectly crunchy, sweet, salty, and just a little spicy.  I would order this over and over again!

I ordered étouffée, because it is one of my favorite dishes, and paired with the catfish… simply wonderful!  Some of you may not be familiar with catfish, but it is a New Orleans tradition that you simply must try, especially when it is cooked as fantastically as this.  This is normally a part of the 3 course menu, but they were happy to oblige my request.  So happy with my choice!

I think the picture speaks for itself.  Just order it and you will not be disappointed!  I am getting hungry just looking at the succulent shrimp paired with fluffy, cheesy grits!

Is it possible to eat here without having the Bananas Foster?  I hope not!  Part of the fun is the table side preparation and the big flambé finish!

Seriously, I am so surprised that I was able to hold myself back for even a minute to take a picture.  The caramelized bananas are so sweet, sticky, and buttery that you will be dreaming about them that night.  Trust me!

This mountainous dessert was recognized as one of the best desserts in Orange County, and I’m pretty sure you can see why below!  It takes 25 minutes to prepare, so if you forget to order it beforehand… get it anyways!  It is well worth the wait, and your tastebuds will be happy that you made the decision.  🙂

Afterwards, we went next door to Flambeaux’s and grabbed a seat next to the stage for some amazing jazz.  We caught a wonderful piano & chanteuse duo, but you can check the calendar to plan which night you want to stop in.

Truly, a fantastic dinner that reminds me of how much I love New Orleans.  Next time, I think I might stop by for Sunday brunch, because the menu looks so wonderful.  Either that or some Beignets from Jazz Kitchen Express.  Decisions, decisions!

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
1590 Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
www.rbjazzkitchen.com
(714) 776-5200