Gumbo from Tania’s Palace at Disneyland. Photo by Elise Thompson.
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.
Tania’s Palace in Disneyland. Photo by Elise Thompson.
The gumbo, which the restaurant really has to nail, is a nice balance of chicken and spicy andouille, without the dish having too much fire. You can just remove the sausages for kids or if you avoid spicy food. They also have Crystal hot sauce if you want to go nuts. The Mac and Cheese was also a star, with big, thick macaroni noodles and real Cheddar.
Cafe Orleans, which used to occupy the location, never quite got the New Orleans groove. The worst thing in the park was their sad attempt at beignets, squashed flat and hard. Unfortunately, the classic fried pastries are still hard as rocks. Please, Disney, send some people down to Cafe du Monde in New Orleans and don’t be too proud to change one of the few things holding you back.
I didn’t try the Beef Po’boy or the Blackened Chicken. Other people told me they were happy with those dishes. The Muffaletta looked legit, but it was being served hot, and the cheese was melted. Not to put my nose in the air, but that simply is not done.
Shrimp n Grits from Tania’s Palace at Disneyland. Photo by Elise Thompson.
The food is going to rotate, so the Beef Po’boy will become a Catfish Po’boy, which is awesome. The Harbour Galley used to serve a catfish sandwich that I loved. Sadly, they are replacing the awesome Shrimp n Grits with Jambalaya. When you have a limited menu, I always think it’s bad planning to serve both gumbo and Jambalaya. They are so similar, but lots of menus in the Quarter offer both dishes on four-item catering menus, so what do I know? Cafe Orleans and Blue Bayou are not carrying any items from Tiana’s menu. But you can still get soup in a bread bowl at Cafe Orleans and it’s good to know the Monte Cristo is still alive and well.
You know, we all love the usuals like Disneyland’s Corn Dog, and The Gray Stuff. There are lots of favorite treats around, especially the Mango Dole Whip (Pro tip, the Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the hotel serves it with rum)!
But if Tiana’s Palace nails this catfish po’boy, and they keep bringing back the Shrimp n Grits, I definitely have a new favorite.
serving Beef Po’Boy from Tania’s Palace at Disneyland. Photo by Elise Thompson.
