ALONG COMES MARY

So, I recently had one of the best weeks of my life. Added bonus? It just so happened to be my Birthday week. Is that what made it so epic? Perhaps. But, wouldn’t you consider it a pretty awesome week if you got called down to Contestant’s Row on Price is Right, saw Madonna in concert, went to a fabulous play AND went to Disneyland, all in the same week?! Thought so 😉

It’s no secret that I love Disneyland & am a proud pass holder. There’s only been a slight bit of lag time here & there when I have actually NOT had a pass of some kind since moving down to LA in 2009. Any chance I get to try one of their restaurants, whether it be The Bengal Hut (one of my favorites) or Club 33 (yes, I’ve been there!), I am all over it. The newest dining experience to check off my Disneyland bucket list? The Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square!

Nestled in the heart of Tiana’s hometown, & home to The Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as your gateway to Adventure land & Critter Country, Blue Bayou opened its doors in March of 1967, on the same day The Pirates ride had its grand opening. The draw to dining at this new sit down, fancy dining restaurant? Play your cards right, & you could easily have a seat greeting Pirate ride goers as they make their way to The Caribbean!

With a southern flare (including their world-famous Jambalaya),  to their cuisine, I was so excited to try out some more gluten-free options at the Happiest Place on Earth. Much like my wonderful, magical experience at Ariel’s Grotto last month, you can rest easy, my friends, that  YES, Blue Bayou also brings you out gluten-free, warm rolls upon request 😉

Upon checking in, our lovely hostess confirmed Mike’s instructions he gave when placing the lunch reservation that there’s a Gluten Free diner in the party, & he added in I am also Pescatarian, & that its my birthday. When we were seated (a little before our time, even), all of these instructions were placed on our table for our server to clearly take note of. As someone with anxiety, especially regarding my diet, this was very nice to see first thing, & even more so, that our Waiter quickly confirmed his notes & we were good to go.

I decided on The Cajun Blackened Salmon, while Mike opted for the Halloween Special: pork chops.

While the atmosphere & staff could not have been nicer, I, unfortunately cannot speak too highly of my meal. My filet of fish was not in any way spicy (hello, Cajun??) & cooked to a medium pink, not blackened. While it tasted fine, I expected to think a bit more than “fine” for my Blue Bayou birthday dinner. My side portion of mashed potatoes were up to par, though, & tasted very fresh.

Another kind gesture, was my unexpected bowl of kiwi sorbet with a birthday candle for dessert! Never having had kiwi flavored anything, this was a very intriguing flavor of sorbet. Have you ever come across kiwi sorbet?!

If you decide to check out Blue Bayou, be warned that reservations are needed to enjoy. It is rare to get a table without prior notice, & book in advance to be on the safe side if you know the day you plan to dine!  xo