It’s Party Time at Alba Ray’s, the Mission’s New Tribute to Cajun Cuisine

Just in time for carnival season, the Mission is finally getting its Cajun concept from the team behind Popson’s. Called Alba Ray’s, it’s a New Orleans affair from the wrought iron elements reminiscent of the French Quarter to the menu of Southern classics.

Alba Ray’s

It’s named after chef-owner Adam Rosenblum’s daughter and co-owner Alvin Garcia’s son, making it a personal project through-and-through. Additionally, Rosenblum spent time cooking in New Orleans at Donald Link’s Herbsaint, before heading out West.

The menu is full of standbys like gumbo with chicken, andouille, and crispy okra, oysters, and creole BBQ shrimp (in this case, BBQ is a buttery, lemony, hot-sauce drenched sauce that demands bread for sopping it all up). New Orleans aficionados will recognize favorites like dirty rice with pork and liver, and mirliton slaw with pickled onions.

There’ll also be large format entrees, priced per person, like shrimp boils that boast head-on shrimp with corn, potatoes, garlic, and andouille sausage, and chicken and pork jambalaya. (Check out the full menu below.)

The drinks, a crucial component, include draft beer (like Abita, of course), wines, sweet tea, and a selection of NOLA classics. Sazeracs, Hurricanes, Ramos Gin Fizzes, and more will be on offer for consumption in the fern-adorned bar, or alongside a plate of char-broiled Gulf oysters.

Located in the former Hapa Ramen space at 2293 Mission St., Alba Ray’s opens Monday, January 23.