Our Story
From Grandma Marion's Kitchen to Yours
A little piece of New Orleans, brought home to Central Florida — one scratch-made dish at a time.
How It Started
The Bayou Kitchen & Lounge is owned and operated by three friends who've known each other for over 15 years: Eddie Forbes, who oversees operations; Akil Yisrael, CFO; and Chef K, Executive Chef. Experts in their respective fields, they came together with one shared goal — to bring great food, a fun dining experience, and that unmistakable New Orleans family feeling to Central Florida.
Recipes That Were Celebrated, Not Just Cooked
The Bayou Kitchen & Lounge was born from a simple belief: that the bold, soulful flavors of New Orleans deserve a home in Central Florida. Every dish on our menu traces its roots back to Grandma Marion's kitchen — where recipes weren't just cooked, they were celebrated.
Today, Chef K carries that legacy forward across two Orlando-area locations — from Grandma Marion's gumbo to his own jambalaya — pairing scratch cooking with the kind of Mardi Gras energy that makes every visit feel like a celebration.
“
You're on the Bayou now! So sit back, relax, and let the good times roll.
— Chef K · Founder & Head Chef
What We Stand For
The Bayou Way
Scratch Kitchen
Every dish is crafted from scratch — no shortcuts, no compromises. Quality over quantity, always.
Naturally New Orleans
We preserve the true essence of Creole and Cajun cuisine, from the holy trinity to the filé in our gumbo.
Family Recipes
Grandma Marion's recipes and Chef K's creations anchor a menu built on heritage and heart.
Everyday Mardi Gras
Purple, green, and gold energy in everything we do. Around here, every day is a reason to celebrate.
Here on the Bayou
At our core, we're dedicated to preserving the true essence of Creole and Cajun cuisine. We prioritize quality over quantity — every dish crafted from scratch, sourcing only the freshest seafood, premium proteins, and authentic herbs and spices. We're confident you'll find something from home on our menu that will delight your palate.
Where Everyday is Mardi Gras!
Pull Up a Chair
Whether it's your first bowl of gumbo or your fiftieth Friday night, there's always a seat for you on the Bayou.