Titan Concert Preview New Orleans-inspired restaurants of OC

Big Easy dining jazzes up Downtown Disney

By CHRISTINA SCHROETER

Daily Titan Staff

At a time when New Orleans seems inaccessible, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen brings the tastes of the Big Easy to Orange County. Bringing cooks and managers in from Louisiana, Brennan created a mock-up of the French Quarters.

From the wrought iron railings to the live jazz, the Jazz Kitchen is a fun way to escape the monotony of ordinary restaurants. The restaurant boasts classic courtyard seating, balconies and a variety of indoor dining rooms. An assortment of parasols hang from the dining room ceiling in the jazz club and a fourpiece jazz band plays vivaciously on weekends and a pianist plays on weeknights. Mardi Gras photos hang on the walls and chandeliers on the ceiling in the posh Queen’s Room. For a classy, historical dinner, the Parlor Room is embellished with antiques and old photographs. Although elegant, the Jazz Kitchen always welcomes casual dress.

The eatery also imitates New Orleans’ signature cuisine. Although

diners may be tempted to order gumbo, a customary dish, instead indulge in a bowl of Creole Onion Soup ($7.25). Caramelized onions are drenched in savory soup with Creole seasonings and garnished with croutons and Parmesan cheese. At lunch, save room for the N’Awlins Cheesesteak Po‘ Boy ($10.75). Thinly sliced fi - let mignon, caramelized onions, bell peppers and provolone on French bread create a mouthwatering sandwich. It’s served with deep fried, seasoned dill pickle chips making it a unique and fl avorful afternoon meal. Aside from bringing in Louisiana natives, the restaurant also imports ingredients from New Orleans, like red fi sh, shrimp and oysters. A favorite with regulars is the Pasta Jambalaya ($19.75) with Gulf shrimp, andouille sausage and roasted chicken tossed with spinach fettuccine and Creole seasonings.

The Jazz Kitchen also specializes in unusual fl avored sodas and exotic cocktails.

On Sundays, there is a Zydeco

Jazz brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. While listening to the jazz that melds Cajun dance music, R&B and African blues, guests feast on entrees like the Southern Omelet ($12.50) or Banana Fosters French Toast ($12.75).

The only fl aw is the outdoor patio facing Downtown Disney’s boardwalk. The Big Easy experience is squashed when, instead of hearing the sounds of New Orleans’ jazz, the Disney speakers blast child-safe top-40. Despite this, wonderful service, delectable dishes, incredible entertainment and the Big Easy-inspired setting tempt patrons to return for a good time at this exciting home away from home.

The Jazz Kitchen is located at 1590 South Disneyland Drive. For more info call (714) 776-5200 or log on at www.rbjazzkitchen.com. CHRISTINA SCHROETER/Daily Titan The Jazz Kitchen playfully replicates courtyards of the French Quarter.

CHRISTINA SCHROETER/Daily Titan Memphis welcomes guests to its modern atmosphere to lounge, sip cocktails and enjoy a high-class meal all at a reasonable price.

Soul food in OC

By CHRISTINA SCHROETER

Daily Titan Staff

Mellow, mod and full of soul, Memphis is unlike any other restaurant in Orange County. An intimate atmosphere and modern soul food create a hip, yet poised, dining experience.

The aroma of home cookin’ saturates the air of the café, inviting all who pass to come in and savor the one-of-a-kind delicacies.

Within a minute of being seated, cornbread appears on the table, which sets the mood fl avor for the entire meal - good Southern cuisine.

The menu, swamped with colorful appetizers and entrees, features an array of dishes foreign to much of OC. The smoked chicken and Brie quesadilla, served with watercress, corn salsa and avocado ($9), is a fantastic starter to share. The chicken and shrimp gumbo ($7.50) is a tasty way to plunge into the soulful ambiance. Made with okra and chicken-andouille sausage, it’s served with dirty rice and cornbread. Before fi lling up on the delicious appetizers, save room for a main course. The pan-roasted chicken breast ($14.75), tender white meat drenched in lemon thyme sauce, is presented with silky collard greens, barbequed corn and mashed potato pancakes, creating an upscale dinner, without the aristocratic attitude or price. Memphis also provides a full bar and dessert menu.

With chic mid-century style décor, and an outdoor patio, guests dine in a stylish atmosphere. Funky soul tunes delicately fl ood the dining room, creating a comforting Southern aura. The friendly staff and the close-knit tables provide a family-like experience. Memphis morphs into a club Wednesday through Saturday nights and fashionable twentysomethings trickle into the dimly lit bar. With an eclectic array of music and a dance fl oor packed with inebriated hipsters, Memphis is the answer to every OC cliché.

Memphis is located at 2920 Bristol Street in Costa Mesa, just a few steps from The Lab. For more info, call (714) 432-7685.