For dinner, we decided to go with Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. Ralph’s offers some great New Orleans dishes along with some great jazz for your entertaining pleasure.
You feel like you’re in New Orleans when you first walk into the restaurant. There is a huge fountain when you first walk in and the upstairs looks like the balconies of the famed French Quarter houses. Inside you will find bands serving up the jazz hot, just like you would find in New Orleans. We were lucky enough to eat on the patio and it is just simply beautiful with the wrought iron that typifies New Orleans gracious homes. Also stop in at the bathrooms! Just go and you will see why I mentioned it!
All four of us enjoyed a terrific meal. Sandy went with the crab cakes, Tammy went with Roasted Rosemary Chicken, and Margret had Tournedos de Beef. I didn’t sample anyone else’s, but everyone said their meal was terrific.
Now I heard how wonderful their gumbo was and decided I had to go with that. I had the Ya-Ya Gumbo. This heavenly soup of dark roux has both chicken and andouille sausage along with Cajun spices and rice. Now that was some good gumbo. I also had the Tri-Colored Spring Salad. This delightful salad consisted of radicchio, frisee, and watercress with mango and homemade croutons. It also comes with avocado if you like it. It is topped with their homemade raspberry pecan dressing. Yummy! I was quite happy with my meal.
For dessert, we had double chocolate bread pudding, banana fosters flambe' and beignets. The pudding was nice and fluffy and tasted nothing like bread pudding. It tasted more like a mousse, which is great since I am not a fan of bread pudding. My beignets wqere to die for. If you have never experienced this little peace of heaven, then what the heck is the matter with you? These deep fried pillows of dough are covered with powdered sugar and just melt in your mouth. Oh, and there is no way to avoid powdered sugar on you. But people will know where you have been and understand why you are walking around with white stuff smeared on your shirt.
Our group also ordered Bananas Foster, which is an experience all on its own. Our wonderful waitress, Alexis, brought out her little grill. After finally getting a flame she put butter and brown sugar in the pan and added some bananas. Then she added rum and banana liquor and for some dazzle it is on fire before your very eyes! Quite stunning and everyone walking by stopped and applauded.
The food here is wonderful and our waitress, Alexis, was a doll. For more information visit them at www.rbjazzkitchen.com. Hours are typically 11-2 am , but always double check. You can make priority reservations at (704) 781-DINE. I would highly suggest them.
