Disneyland recently opened Tiana’s Palace in conjunction with the revamp of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure from The Princess on the Frog. The character of Tiana was loosely based on the late Leah Chase of the iconic Creole restaurant Dookey Chase’s in New Orleans. So they have a name to uphold.
Critics have already bashed the fast-casual cafeteria-style restaurant, but most of the critiques were from people who hadn’t even eaten there. They all seemed to be based on one Instagram of very crappy-looking wet rice. But check out my shot of their fantastic Red Beans and Rice. Restaurants, you have to be Instagram-ready 24/7. It can make or break you these days.
I ate there two weeks ago, not expecting much, and my mind was blown. I even ordered more food, in fact, I ordered so much that the credit card company flagged my card for suspicious purchases. The Shrimp and Grits may be the best version of that dish I have ever had, not only locally, but in New Orleans and Atlanta. My friend and I shared two orders.