Divine Jambalaya

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, October 14th, 2010

Oh jambalaya, how I adore thee.  With your tender chicken, luscious shrimp, and sublime spicy sausage, you lure me into your spell.  I love your spicy Cajun cream sauce and the way it saturates your pasta with flavor.

(Image: meal advisor)

Jambalaya is typically made with rice or noodles and mixed with chicken, shrimp, and andoullie sausage.  Then, it’s covered in a spicy creole sauce and usually sprinkled with green onions and tons of Cajun spices.  Sounds divine, right?  Well, not every jambalaya is good.  In fact, I have had some really bad jambalaya before with dry meat, uncooked noodles and skimpy sauce. 

This is what lead me to hunt for the best jambalaya in the area.  If you like your jambalaya made with rice, head to Capitol City Brewing Company in Arlington or DC.  Not only can you get the jambalaya, but you will surely find a brew that pairs well with it.  I recommend the Amber Waves Ale. 

In Alexandria, King Street Blues has a real knack for cooking great southern food- probably since their vision is “Comfort Food with a Southern Accent.”  Their jambalaya has a splash of Sherry in the cream sauce and is served with Roadhouse Toast. 

(Image: City Data)

Of course, the Great American Restaurant’s Sweetwater Tavern does it right with their Jambalaya Pasta.  Their spicy creole cream sauce is to die for. 

Travel west to Winchester, and you can head to Brewbaker’s for a real treat.  Although it’s not technically called Jambalaya, they serve an amazing pasta called Bayou Chicken and Shrimp Pasta that puts most jambalayas to shame.

(Image: The Big Blend)

Trying to make your own jambalaya at home can be fun and rewarding.  When I’m short on time, I use Zatarain’s New Orleans Style Jambalaya Mix.  Jambalaya originated in the French Quarter of New Orleans with French and Spanish influences, so I’m pretty sure there is no better way to make jambalaya than New Orleans Style.

-Liz Stevenson

Tags: Brewbaker's, Capitol City Brewing Company, Gut Check, jambalaya, King Street Blues, Liz Stevenson, Sweetwater Tavern, Zatarain's