Lunch at the Bayou

When my friend Stacy invited me to join her and the family at Disneyland to take photos of her dad's 65th birthday celebration, she sealed the deal with lunch invitations at the Blue Bayou. It was the equivalent of waving catnip in front of a feline; I was powerless to say "no."



There's something about this restaurant's nighttime-during-the-day atmosphere that weaves a magic spell over me. I lose track of time and find myself gawking over the plastic lanterns above. Wouldn't you love to sneak up these stairs and take photos from the balcony? These are the thoughts that go through my head.



If the lights were up, I am sure the faux plantation façade and phony wisteria would lose much of their luster to me.



Instead, I feel like I'm back in the south at an outdoor restaurant with the sounds of frogs and crickets fading into the background.



A set table awaiting the next group of guests.



My one gripe with the Blue Bayou is about what the food has become. The sourdough-style rolls that had a delicious crunchy crust have been replaced with a selection of breads that taste like they came from the grocery store…and not a good one. My favorite wedge salad with the yummy vinaigrette, blue cheese, and bits of andouille sausage has been replaced with a mess of shredded…who knows what. The once southern-style menu has been Andrew Sutton-fied.



The recipe for the Tesoro Island Chicken Breast seems to have also undergone a metamorphosis: "Pan-seared with Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach, and Fennel Confit with Roasted Shallot Reduction." Fancy-fancy sounding, but again, on the plate, it just looks a little bit like a mess. It tasted ok, but nothing that would make me rush back.



I reached over to take a shot of Stacy's Monte Cristo Sandwich. What was once my favorite item at the Bayou has been changed beyond recognition.



I get it; eating food that is deep fried is not good for you. However, I can eat healthy at home; no need to spend $27 for this somewhat bland version of what I used to love. Compare with what it used to look like in 2005; oh that golden deep-fried crust. My arteries are clogging just thinking about it. And for those who are crying tears for the health of children and adults everywhere, take care of it in your own kitchen. Nothing wrong with moderation and a little cheat every now and then. But then again, this is Disney. They have to be middle-of-the-road and not offend the moral minority.



After your meal, don't forget to use the restroom; it is probably the nicest one in the park!



See more Daveland vintage & current Disneyland Blue Bayou Restaurant photos at my main website.

Thanksgiving Feeding Frenzy: Eating Your Way Through Disneyland

As I slave over a hot stove preparing my Thanksgiving Feast, I thought I'd share a few food photos to get YOUR appetites started. I take no responsibility for the hunger that this post might induce or the fact that some of these items might not be available any more.

Nothing could be finer that breakfast with Aunt Jemima (If you pronounce it the right way, I am sure you could make that last sentence rhyme!).

Since Aunt J's is long gone, you can get your pancake fix taken care of over at The Disneyland Hotel's Steakhouse 55:



Mickey Waffles are available over at the Storyteller Cafe:



Beignets from Cafe Orleans would also make a nice start to the day:



Just make sure you wash them down with a nice wholesome paper cup of milk:



Shifting away from breakfast towards lunch, perhaps a bag of Frito's would make a nice transition snack?



If you feel guilty about eating turkey...



then Silver Banjo BBQ might be your "thang"...



Oh, that's right. That place closed YEARS ago. The Celebration BBQ meal at Big Thunder Ranch would make a fine substitution.



Or perhaps Pork Loin & Coca-Cola BBQ sauce from Flo's:



If seafood is your "dish," you can't go wrong with Walt's personal recommendation of a Tuna Boat Salad:



Served by these lovely cast members (I wonder if they get time-and-a-half for Thanksgiving?):



If fried food is your weakness, then The Plaza Inn might be your choice, as they serve the best fried chicken:



For the ultimate in splurging, a deep-fried Monte Cristo at the Blue Bayou is about as good as it gets.



For dessert, how about a tasty blueberry pie at the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country?



Or perhaps a cupcake?



Jolly Holiday also carries cupcakes:



Caramel Apple Pie from Plaza Inn is always a Daveland fave:



The Golden Horseshoe holds its own when it comes to apple pie:



If paper plates aren't your thing, then go over to the Napa Rose for both taste and presentation:



If variety is what you need, you can stop by Marceline's for a sweet treat on your way to the tram:



Dole Whip might help calm your tummy a bit after all the indulging:



By the time you've done all your eating, you might need a cocktail to calm your nerves! Make sure it has the perfect ice cube from 1901:



I hope your Thanksgiving is also filled with friends, family, and blessings that can be shared with those that you care about!

See more vintage and current Disneyland photos on my Disneyland web pages.

The Blue Bayou Restaurant: A Daveland Reader Fave

The Blue Bayou restaurant was an overwhelming favorite in a poll I posted here awhile back. Unlike most of the other restaurants in the park, it is very difficult to get a seat on the spur of the moment. It is probably the most special restaurant experience in the park next to Club 33, which is unattainable for most guests. What makes this place so darn special? The biggest reason is the atmosphere. Even the waiting area is themed and beautifully appointed in accordance with the New Orleans area in which it resides.





Once you walk into the restaurant, you lose all sense of time. It is perpetually dark in the Blue Bayou, lit only by candles and the green glow of fireflies.



The seating area actually faces the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, and guests float by as you eat your meal.



I love the Chinese lanterns that hang overhead; one of these days I'm going to find a set for my backyard!







Here is an early publicity shot (obviously posed) from the restaurant’s early years.



The service is also excellent here. Guests usually have approximately 2-3 waitstaff per table, between the waitress/waiter, staff serving bread, and staff busing the tables, keeping them clean between courses. Besides quantity, the staff here is usually of a much higher caliber than I have noted in other restaurants at the park. Across the way, Cafe Orleans serves very similar food, however, the staff is usually not as polite or attentive as the ones at the Blue Bayou.

And the food? It’s not as good as what I’ve enjoyed at Napa Rose, but it is probably the best in the park. The notorious favorite is the Monte Cristo, which is basically a real artery clogger but tastes so good going down!



Once you eat one of these babies, expect to be lethargic and in a food coma for the rest of your day at the park. I have noted on my last trip though that the portion seemed smaller (but still plenty to fill you up, as the previous portion was huge) and it also seemed to be less fried...are they trying to make this classic more healthy?!?

Desserts are often themed here according to the season, but none compare to an offering from long ago: The Fried Cheesecake. Oh how I miss that delectable concoction!







One more vintage photo before closing today’s post, this one from August 1976:



Prices have changed just a bit!



See more Disneyland Blue Bayou photos at my website.