I was so exhausted when we got in, that I crashed as soon as
we checked in to our hotel. But on our way in, you could already feel the
excitement in the air. There were plenty of people on the streets and I could
hear jazz music in the distance. I can’t wait to see all this city has to offer
– but sleepy time comes first!
Hello New Orleans!
This morning we’re well rested, and I have coffee in hand - so I’m ready to hit the town. It’s a beautiful day and New Orleans is super charming!
This morning we’re well rested, and I have coffee in hand - so I’m ready to hit the town. It’s a beautiful day and New Orleans is super charming!
In every city that we visit, we look to find the best
CitySecrets, but we also like to throw in some fun touristy stuff. Since I’ve
never been to New Orleans, the team is taking me to the French Quarter and Café
Du Monde – THE most famous eatery in New Orleans.
Café Du Monde has been open
since 1862, and they’re known for their fresh café au laits and beignets
(pronounced BEN YAYS,) The beignet is a New Orleans classic - a square piece of
dough, fried and covered with powdered sugar, served in orders of three.
I can’t wait to check it out! Plus, I’m about finished with
my first cup of coffee, so café au lait is calling my name. But first, we have
to make it there.
The streets are all one-ways, and although the architecture
is beautiful around town, I think I’ve seen the same corner about 4 times now. (If
it’s not too far, walking might get you there faster, and you can stop to enjoy
the street performers.)
Eventually, we get moving in the right direction and stop in
the middle of Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Wow! I feel like I’m in a
different country.
There are beautiful monuments, horse-drawn carriages, parks,
the river-front, shops and of course Café Du Monde is right in the middle of it
all! – Pretty easy to spot, especially with that line around the corner of
people waiting to get their hands on those beignets.
Café Du Monde is very charming. Patrons are enjoying their
coffee in the large outdoor dining patio with perfect views of the square, while
being serenaded by street performers. This is picture-perfect New Orleans.
I meet with the manager and Chef Roy who take me to the
kitchen, where I get dolled up in the Café Du Monde apron and I even get to
wear a chef’s hat. Fun!
It’s a mad house back here – there must be 20 people in the
tight space, between the team making the goodies and the servers lined up
waiting to fill their trays. I’m told THOUSANDS of beignets are made here EVERY HOUR!
Chef Roy leads me to the back where has me cover my entire
arms and hands in flour. Ok, now my nose itches, of course!
This is a real production line! Chef Roy is fast! REAL fast!
He plops a giant bundle of dough onto the table where he hand-kneeds it, then
runs it through a machine that flattens it. Then it’s cut into several small squares
and they’re thrown (literally) into a giant deep fryer. Ok. This doesn’t look
too hard...
But it is.. I can’t even grab enough dough to start making a
batch. But, Chef Roy helps me through the next couple of steps to speed things
up. As I jump in to start grabbing
pieces, I’m already holding up the whole production and the line of servers
waiting on me to deliver the goods! It's starting to feel like I'm in an "I Love Lucy" episode! Uh oh!
On to the Giant Fryer of Death. This scares me!
Chef Roy quickly THROWS
the beignets into it and I’m terrified of the boiling oil being splashed on me….
But I can see the servers hovering waiting for their beignets, so I get to
tossing. (eyes closed)
We finish a few batches and finally It’s break time!
Chef Roy and I take our freshly made beignets and line up
with the servers to cover them in powdered sugar. Then, we prepare our Café Au Lait, a chicory coffee
served mixed with half hot milk, half coffee.
The beignets, covered in powdered sugar look and taste like warm,
cuddly, deep-fried, fluffy clouds - and the café au lait is absolutely to die
for. Aaahh yes!!
Beignets and Café au Lait are instantly
addictive. I could have this for every meal. If only they had a Café Du Monde
in Los Angeles.
My plan is to come here every day while in New Orleans.
My plan is to come here every day while in New Orleans.
Café Du Monde is an absolute must-see when in New Orleans.
Enjoy the street performers from their covered patio, then walk it off by
exploring the French Quarter’s many gems, including gardens, statues, museums, the
River-front, street artists, and galleries.
Think coffee and Donuts are a morning-only treat? Not in New
Orleans. Café Du Monde is open 24/7!
Cafe Du Monde Traveler's Tip: If you're not interested in waiting in line, Cafe Du Monde has a to-go window! Take your fresh goodies to the park or river-front and enjoy!
MAKE YOUR OWN!: Can’t make it to New Orleans? Café Du Monde sells their
signature Café Au Lait and Beignet mix on their website!
800 Decatur St.
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 581-2914
Fax: (504) 587-0847
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 581-2914
Fax: (504) 587-0847
