My family and I are currently enjoying a trip to Disneyland, and I’ve finally had a chance to sit down at the newly reopened Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. The original restaurant, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, had always been a favorite of mine. With good food and an unbeatable atmosphere, a table near the piano was always a must-do on my Disney checklist. I had high expectations for the newly revamped interaction of this local iconic dining location, though admittedly, I was still skeptical. We were seated promptly upstairs in a smaller dining room, a space that seemed like such a departure from the lively musical tables I was used to. However, it didn’t take long for any feeling to subside. The menu had us spoiled for choice, with a handful of hard-to-choose-between dishes that already told me that I would need to come back. I pondered my options over drinks; my non-alcoholic Sunset Spritzer was just what I needed after a very long park day.
It was straight into the mains for our table of tired Disney walkers. I was delighted with my Blackened Salmon (Pacific salmon, crispy Parmesan grit cake, poblano chili cream sauce, Mexican street corn $35). It was perfectly cooked and one of the most delicious things I have eaten on this whole trip. For my family, Grilled Sea Bass (Gulf shrimp, heirloom tomato salad, Tasso croquette, yellow pepper emulsion $38), Coastal Jambalaya (Gulf shrimp, La crawfish, andouille sausage, onions, peppers, garlic with toasted pasta pearls, seafood & charred tomato cream $38), and House Grind Bacon Burger (Housemade pimento cheese, butter lettuce, tomato, red onion, toasted brioche bun, French fries $25). Every menu item was just as good as the next, and the whole table went uncharacteristically silent while we devoured the meal.
We aren’t usually much of a dessert family, but there was no way I could leave without trying the famous beignets! And that I did. We shared the Bananas Foster Glazed Beignets (Banana rum icing, cinnamon-sugar dust, caramel drizzle, vanilla bean crème anglaise $18) and the Hot Classic Beignets
(Signature French donuts topped generously with powdered sugar $15) and both were outstanding. Just as we were warned, these desserts were enormous, and we ended up taking most of them back to the hotel. Admittedly, I am eyeing them as I write this, leaving the distinct possibility that they won’t make it until tomorrow morning. This photo does not do them justice.
The service was fabulous. Attentive and kind, but not in your face all the time; I really struggle with that. They were just lovely and seemingly genuine. Our small dining room proved to be a wonderful experience. The perfect refuge from the dropping temperatures outside while feeling elegant and inviting at the same time. Overall, I loved this new Jazz Kitchen. It has a similar charm to the earlier version, but a more modern feel to it that I think will do very nicely to complement the dining options in the Downtown Disney District once the full renovation of the area is complete.
