Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen

Name: Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
Address: 1590 S Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802
Phone: (714) 776-5200
Web site: RBJazzKitchen.com
Date & Time visited: Saturday, September 15, 2007, 8:40 pm
Guests: Jennifer and me
What we had: Absolut Peppar Bloody Mary (we each had one), SDJ (appetizer--Jen), Cajun popcorn shrimp (me), Grilled Tournedos of Beef (Jen), Blue Crabmeat Topped Blackened Salmon, Bananas Foster (shared).

The place was crowded and we didn't have a reservation, so we walked around Downtown Disney for a while and came back to find that the estimated 40-minute wait was spot-on. We were in the upstairs dining room, opposite the glassed-in wine cellar and in between two large parties--so it was quite loud for a while.

If I'd written this review sooner than seven weeks after the meal I might be able to be more specific. I don't remember what the "SDJ" was other than an appetizer. My cajun popcorn shrimp were cooked just right and came with three tasty dipping sauces. Jennifer quite enjoyed her Tournedos of beef, two medallions of filet mignon with crawfish mashed potatoes. My blue crab-topped blackened salmon was excellent. At the server's recommendation, we tried the house specialty dessert Bananas Foster. Though the presentation was impressive, prepared at the table, the dish itself was underwhelming.

Service: A little slow but not bad, and the server was also dealing with two large parties at the same time. Water refills were prompt and the dirty dishes were cleared right away.

Would we go back: Maybe. It's a bit pricey and if we want New Orleans / Cajun we'd probably rather go to Nolas here in Palo Alto. Still, when in Anaheim it's worth trying.