Monte Cristo Sandwich Blue Bayou

Years ago I took a trip to El Paso, Texas to visit relatives. One of the most exciting things I talked about when I returned (other than the incredibly cheap happy hours) was the Monte Cristo Sandwich. The sandwich is stuffed with ham, turkey, and cheese, dipped in batter and deep fried. After given a dusting of powdered sugar the glorious concoction is then served with strawberry preserves. For years I had been trying to track down a Monte Cristo Sandwich as good as the one I had in El Paso. I located one at the Jolly Rogers Hotel in Anaheim and it was good, but not great. I tried to get one at The Tartan Room in Orange, only to discover that they only serve 'em up on the weekdays from 11:00-2:00 (which is when I'm usually at work).

Imagine my surprise when someone told me that the best Monte Cristo Sandwich is served at The Blue Bayou restaurant in Disneyland......you know that restaurant you see when you board the Pirates of the Carribean ride. I had a hard time believing that, seeing as I've never had a good meal at Disneyland. I haven't had time to make it down to the theme park lately, but was pleased when I found a recipe in the Orange County Register last week! It's simple and delicious. Here's the recipe...

Monte Cristo Sandwich Blue Bayou

Batter
2/3 c. water
1 small egg
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. white pepper
few drops yellow food coloring
2/3 c. all-purpose flour
1 3/4 t. baking powder
Place water, egg, salt, pepper and food coloring in a bowl and using an electric mixer, mix well at low speed. Add flour and baking powder and mix until batter is smooth. Chill. Makes enough for 4 sandwiches.

Sandwiches
8 slices white bread
4 slices turkey (1 oz. each)
4 slices swiss cheese
4 slices Pullman ham
Make 4 sandwiches, putting cheese between hand and turkey. Cut into fourths and put a toothpick through each quarter.
Final Preparation:
soybean or vegetable oil for frying
Confectioners' sugar
currant jelly or strawberry preserve

Recipe

Heat about 6-inches of oil to 340F in a fryer. Dip sandwiches in batter to cover all surfaces. Deep fry sandwiches until golden brown, turning as needed. Remove from oil, take out toothpicks, sprinkle sandwiches with confectioners' sugar. Serve with currant jelly or strawberry preserve and fries.

Blue Bayou is located in New Orleans Square in Disneyland (the moonlit dining terrace that overlooks Laffite's Landing, entry to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction)

Taco Adobe

Taco Adobe is one of my most cherished places to eat. The restaurant is nestled deeply (almost hidden) on Main Street in downtown Santa Ana, down the street from the Bowers Muesum. I frequent this Mex-Southwestern Grill often, although I still have yet to stray too far from my favorites on the menu. My absolute favorite thing to eat at Taco Adobe are the Enchiladas De Camarones (shown here), which are two enchiladas stuffed with shrimp in a garlic sauce and covered in a tomatillo sauce topped with sour cream, avacado slices, and cojita cheese, served with rice and black beans.

I am equally in love the Pescado Guaymas, which is grilled mahi mahi sauteed on spinach cilantro garlic and walnut pesto sauce with a touch of serrano chiles. The Tacos De Camaron (shown here) are also quite appetizing.

Also be sure to check their daily specials, I believe that's where you'll find the mouthwatering Tacos De San Miguel or the Green Pazole, which are just a couple more thing I'd recommend trying. As of yet, I have not managed to get to Taco Adobe for breakfast. As far as liqour is concerned, they serve beer and wine only.

Taco Adobe is located at:
1319 N Main St
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 543-2411