Our last morning in New Orleans! One last plate of doughnuts it is!
Beignets, that is. Fried dough and sweet, strong, milky coffee, that's what we needed after a late night out.
Cafe du Monde is hyper-famous - their bright yellow cans of coffee with chicory and boxes of beignet mix can be found on supermarket shelves all over the country. So it should come as no surprise that the place is always packed, especially in the mornings. It's usually not too hard to find a table, as long as you're assertive. Just practice your looming when it looks like people are about ready to leave. After you get to sit, try not to drag your sleeves through the powdered sugar sure to be covering your table. Someone will be by shortly to take your order.
This was the first time we'd sat inside, instead of out under the large open-sided roof, and it was an odd experience. First, we were sitting right near a couple of lonely chairs where the servers took their short breaks in groups of two. They sat, staring dully into space, not speaking to each other - in fact, looking everywhere but at their neighbor.
We also got to watch the behind-the-scenes process that goes on after you order your coffee and beignets. The servers go through a cafeteria-style line, picking up drinks here, beignets there, huge drifts of powdered sugar over yonder. And then they paid for the food, before bringing it to the customer. Interesting.
The line moved quickly, with servers darting in and out. I swear I saw a little light shoving and some understated elbow action. Not a smile was seen.
Our beignets and cafe au lait came out quickly.
That's four orders of doughnuts and three cafe au laits. The coffee was good, and the beignets were OK, but not quite as delicious as the previous morning's at Morning Call. They were a little heavier, a tad greasier, and covered in way too much powdered sugar. Now, that's not to say they weren't good, just not AS good.
If you're in the Quarter, Cafe du Monde is a fun experience and a good place to get a decent French doughnut. Just try not to look behind the curtain.
And we were off for Austin! Our 8-9 hour drive took 11 again, unfortunately. Sheez. Holiday traffic is the freaking pits.
What a terrific time in New Orleans! Every trip gets better and better. And we can't thank Logan's parents enough for their wonderful hospitality, or Crystal and Justin for their grade A company. Thanks, all!
Cafe du Monde (the one that's the biggest deal) is located at 1039 Decatur Street in New Orleans. 504.525.4544.
I'm going to New Orleans in a few weeks and I will definitely be stopping here! Great pics!
Posted by: maggie | Friday, 18 December 2009 at 17:28
Spookily awkward! I didn't know there was an inside room. I do like the Draconian management approach, though. Draco would be proud.
Posted by: David Ansel | Saturday, 19 December 2009 at 13:26
We spent last New Year's in NOLA and were at Cafe du Monde more than once. Thanks for the beautiful trip down memory lane. Must plan a trip back....
Posted by: Natanya | Tuesday, 29 December 2009 at 18:45
I'm so trying to persuade our friend in New Orleans that he needs to invite us for a visit!! Maybe 2010 is the year we finally get there. Love your behind-the-scenes account. Clearly this place won't win any happiest employees of the year awards!!
Posted by: Jeanne @ Cooksister! | Tuesday, 12 January 2010 at 11:34