Louisiana Cooking in San Jose, CA

Roux Restaurant Cooks Up Cajun Grub in Upscale Santana Row

Mar 23, 2009

If you're in the mood for some gumbo, live jazz and a smokin' Hurricane cocktail, look no further than Roux Louisiana Kitchen in San Jose, CA.

You don't need to spend airfare on a ticket to New Orleans to get a traditional southern meal. Feel the flare of Mardi Gras in a most unlikely location -- Silicon Valley.

The Scene

Step into party mode as you enter Roux Louisiana Kitchen in San Jose, CA. From the ceiling hang shimmering chandeliers, tables are adorned with crisp white tablecloths, and smiling feathered masks are perched on the walls--seemingly watching diners partake in the festive atmosphere. The smell of Cajun spices fills the air as a live band serenades hungry patrons with smooth jazz.

Roots

The 240-seat restaurant opened its doors in March 2008. Executive Chef Rocío Gomez traveled to New Orleans to grasp the local cuisine and bring it to San Jose. The restaurant was founded by Eduardo and Sylvia Rallo, known for their successful World Wrapps Restaurants. The Rallos established the Resmex Group, Inc. which also own three other restaurants in Santana Row: Consuelo Mexican Bistro, El Jardín Tequila Bar and Thea Mediterranean.

Good Eats

For a taste of what the Big Easy has to offer, start with friend green tomatoes, hush puppies, fried okra or Cajun fries. In place of bread and butter, a generous helping of cornbread is served. For the main meal, sink your teeth into some soulful jambalaya rice, blackened catfish or pulled pork with BBQ sauce. Throw in a side of seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffe, or cheesy grits to complete the feast. Top it off with beignets or bread pudding for dessert. The menu is a refreshing change from the standard meat and potatoes.

Don't Miss

Libations

Roux boasts having the largest bar in Santana Row -- and the cocktail menu isn't small either. Indulge in a New Orleans favorite -- a Hurricane. At Roux this cocktail comes with a twist -- it's served over dry ice which gives the appearance of a black magic concoction. If you're a beer lover, check out the local Louisiana brews such as Pixie or Louisiana Stone. Don't miss the Voodoo Hour (Happy Hour) weekdays from 4-7 p.m.

Bottom Dollar

Word to the Wise

The restaurant can get packed, so make sure to book a table in advance. With the bustling environment, the service can be slow. If you're looking for a quiet conversation, don't go during Happy Hour. Although the restaurant is family friendly, there' no children's menu (or color crayons) offered. Expect to drop $100 for a couple's night out with appetizer, dinner, dessert and cocktails.

Whereabouts

The copyright of the article Louisiana Cooking in San Jose, CA in Cajun Food is owned by Sharael Kolberg. Permission to republish Louisiana Cooking in San Jose, CA in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.