When my kids were younger, we visited Disneyland quite often. In fact my kids had annual passes for many years. As they grew older, they didn’t need me to take them anymore and I was very happy not having to wait in line for hours to get on the rides. My daughter loves Downtown Disney District and goes with her friends regularly. I, on the other hand, have driven by but never visited. I am so thankful to Evangeline Lyu, Sales Assistant & Special Events Manager at RB Jazz Kitchen, for inviting me and Allen to its open house recently. I could not believe I’ve been missing all the fun for so many years!
(Photos by Allen Taylor Photography)
As I walked through the grounds, I felt like I got younger by a couple of decades. I don’t know if it was because of all the families with kids or just the layout and ambiance of the district, but it made me smile and happy. I wish I had taken my kids here when they were younger, especially my son. I am not sure he has ever visited, either. We arrived at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. People were lining up to get in. We checked in at the media line and were greeted warmly and directed to go upstairs. The building is a two-story replica of traditional French Quarter architecture includes a ground floor, interior, open-air courtyard flanked by a quick service dining facility (Creole Cafe) and a New Orleans-style jazz club (Flambeaux’s). Upstairs in the Carnival Club you’ll find traditional New Orleans dining rooms and an outdoor ‘Jazz balcony’ with seating that overlooks the revelry of Downtown Disney. Guests were served Tray Passed Appetizers such as Coconut Crusted Shrimp. Self served Lemonade was very refreshing or you could order wine or cocktails from the open bar. This Spoon Appetizer (sorry I just can’t remember what it was) was really creamy and delicious. The Catfish Slider was a big hit with guests. Line was pretty long at the BBQ Shrimp with Grits because everyone loved it. It’s not the traditional BBQ like you think. It tasted more like Cajun to me. The shrimps were slow cooked and very plump and tender. The Crawfish is synonymous with New Orleans and Jazz. It was cooked with Corn and Red Potato in a Cajun spiced boiler. A little work to eat but well worth the effort. For those who were not into seafood, there was a carving station in the Parlor Room serving Prime Rib Roast, Ham, and Vegetable Dip. I got a plate of it, too. The Queen’s Room (above left and upper right) was beautifully decorated. Invisible Touch played great music all night and we were all dancing at our seats. This was also where the Beignets Bar was set up. Oh my goodness gracious! Warm soft beignets with whipped cream, fruits and all kinds of toppings available. I totally binged on these. Amanda Castro Band played wonderful Jazz music for the guests and we had so much fun goofing around, too. I love seeing my lady blogger friends at events. My beautiful host, Evangeline Lyu (2nd from the left), Alma (2nd from right) of FieldTripMom and Valerie (1st from the right) of Sweeps4Bloggers. Allen and I had an amazing time at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. The moon (blue moon) seemed to echo the same sentiment.
Ralph Brennan and his family have been serving the finest Louisiana ingredients for over 50 years. The Jazz Kitchen boasts festive, ‘Big Easy themed’ private party facilities and comprehensive event planning services. From our mouthwatering Louisiana cuisine to the live jazz played at Flambeaux’s every night, every detail of the Jazz Kitchen delivers on the promise of New Orleans. In addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there are 5 different rooms available for private events. Whether it’s intimate dining or group dining, Jazz Kitchen is ready to make your experience the best it can be. So come enjoy the hospitality, New Orleans style!
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
1590 South Disneyland Drive
Downtown Disney® District
Anaheim, California 92802
(714)776-5200
Loved your post! I enjoyed reading about your experience and seeing the pictures. They were great. I’m glad you had a great first impression of Downtown Disney!
The food is SO good there! We try to go there for lunch or dinner whenever we are at Disneyland. Love their beignets!
Ooh, that crawfish looks delicious!! Disney has such fun venues that make the experience even better. Fun place.
Oh that food looks so delicious! I do love Cajun Shrimp (a little spicy, but it hurts so good). The prime rib looks yummy too. I haven’t had a chance to eat there yet, but I’m thinking soon.
oh…my goodness…I just had breakfast and still I drool. 🙂 Everything looks delicious. Maybe I will try this place out next time I am feeling like a fancy dinner at Disneyland. 🙂
thanks for sharing Wendy.
xoxo
Marla
p.s. beautiful pictures!
That restaurant looks like it could be in New Orleans for sure! I recognize some of those people too! The food looks great and love your photos – beautiful!