06/22/08

Finally a restaurant that reminds me of New Orleans

by captherp

We've had visitors visiting from England every year for the past 8 years. For their final meal before they went home, they've traditionally taken us to a "Cajun" restaurant near the freeway (I-17) north of town. I've always considered that restaurant, Pappadeaux, to be just one of a chain, noisy, overpriced, and crowded, but nothing special. It sure didn't remind me of eating down on Bourbon Street. This year we suggested a place closer to home, which would be a first time for us too -- Baby Kay's. The following is a summary of what I just sent to them via their own website:

The meal we just had last night, my wife and I agree, was the one of the best meals we've had since we've been eating food. We had a chance to sample various things, since everyone ordered different things. The Cajun Combination I had was the best. Loved the chicken gumbo, crawfish etouffee and the jambalaya, all included. Wife had the red beans and rice with Andouille sausage -- and the sausage, which I got a generous portion of, was excellent. Even the desserts were great; I love good bread pudding, and the sauce they put it in made it one of the best I've ever had. My wife and daughter sucked down their chocolate cake, and even the Brits, normally pretty reserved, were thrilled with the meal and all thoughts of Pappadeaux were apparently banished from their memory. The waiter/waitresses were top-notch, polite, and attentive.

In short, everything was as close to perfection as we could have found, and, for our family at least, company or no company, we're going to make visits to Baby Kay's a family tradition. I hesitate to write a review like this, because if word gets out, the place will be packed all the time, but I can't lie, so there we are...I'd love to shake hands with everyone in the place for giving me a restaurant to be excited about for the first time since I moved to Phoenix in 1989. And when I go there again next week maybe I'll do just that!

03/13/08

The worst ever

by gourmetchef

Well, the food did taste good...

But we we're ignored the entire night by the waitstaff. The Hostess actually did the service for us.

We did see a waitress once, she said she'd be taking over; then we never saw her again. It took us over three hours to complete our meal. I could have flown to New Orleans quicker....

All the Hostess said at the end was, "thanks for your patience" and here's the bill.

I'll never go there again.

• Pros: Food tastes good
• Cons: Service

08/07/07

Outstanding

by girlaka

This is one of my absolute favorite restaurants... anywhere. I eat and cook and travel a lot and I know food... I also know Cajun and New Orleans. I lived in Phoenix for 10 years, but have been away for 6. Whenever I venture back to the valley, it is the first place on my list. For dinner, you must get the fried catfish with crawfish sauce. I have dreams about the olive coleslaw. Seriously. Try it even if you don't like green olives. Just trust me on this one! Their remoulade sauce is the best I've have anywhere. I just can't say enough about this place. I go over and over again. Heading there in just under a week in fact and I'm already salivating.