Cafe Du Monde

My last day in New Orleans had to include a stop at Cafe Du Monde, the famous coffee shop established in 1862, known especially for its beignets, which are described on their site as "square French-style doughnuts, lavishly covered with powdered sugar."



So, even though it was mind-numbingly hot, I sat outside on their (covered) patio and ordered beignets and a cafe au lait; yes, I was sweating a lot, but had to drink hot coffee because I wanted the total experience.



So airy and perfectly sweet. These beauties made time stop for me.


Moments of true happiness may be fleeting, but they can be recreated easily at Cafe Du Monde. Although beignets are available elsewhere in the country, I have never been interested because I wanted to try them in New Orleans. As it turns out, I made the right decision.

Cafe Du Monde
French Market
800 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Ph: 504-525-4544

NOLA

New Orleans is like no other city. I could give you a long list of adjectives to describe its spirit, but you won't get it until you go. I visited for the first time recently and loved spending the weekend taking in the city with friends (old and new), eating well and laughing a lot. I hope you will make a serious effort to visit New Orleans, it's worth it.



Now, onto NOLA, Emeril Lagasse's restaurant in the French Quarter where we had a ladylike lunch.


Pimm's Cup, we finally meet. And fall in love. Why have I let so many summers go by without knowing the joy of this drink? I used to say I wasn't a fan of gin, but then a cocktail comes along and changes everything.


I chose the crispy duck liver as my starter; it was served with greens, caramelized onions and Creole mustard aioli. The dish did not lack in flavor: it was, in fact, a tad too salty. However, New Orleans cuisine does not do subtle, so that's that.


We also shared Miss Hay's stuffed chicken wings with homemade Hoisin dipping sauce, which had a surprising Asian-inspired filling of cabbage, cellophane noodles, and a whole mess of other stuff (look at this recipe; there is seriously a lot going on). I loved the fried exterior of the wings, but the stuffing was just confusing.


My entree was "shrimp and grits," which was one flavor notch too intense. Between shrimp, bacon, cheddar grits and red chili-Abita butter sauce (Abita is a local brewery), that plate of food was overwhelming. Sometimes, bacon is not needed. It hurt me to say that, but it's the truth.

NOLA's food wasn't perfect, but the overall experience was excellent because of the stellar service and honestly, we were on vacation in New Orleans. I would happily eat at NOLA again the next time I'm in town.

NOLA
534 St. Louis Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-558-3947