Expectations. They can totally destroy an experience. When they are hyped, it also puts undue pressure on whoever or whatever is delivering that experience. Iconic places are no different, but they are iconic because they live up to that expectation. Almost every single time. Cafe du Monde is no different. So iconic that they are open 24 hours.
We waltzed in at about 1 am, thinking that would be the best time to get seated quickly. Clearly, this place is beyond iconic. It took us about 10 minutes to get seated. Well past midnight. So, seated, now what!?! Menu, right. Well, there are about five types of coffee and one dish to order. That's it.
So the waitress asks us what we want. We got some coffee and some Beignets. They don't call them portions, but orders. So, two order beignets, she said. What so iconic about these? They are just fried dough, shaped differently than their Spanish counterparts, the churros.
Oh, I was so wrong. Fried perfectly, (obviously, if you are frying them 24 hours a day for a few centuries) and dusted with powdered sugar, there is something strangely comforting about these. Add the frothy Cafe Au Lait and you're set. Perfect to sit down and read a book, but no, the ones waiting would glare at you. So, people watch for a few minutes, take in the atmosphere and get going! And of course, a check on the bucket list.
Located ideally at the French Quarters, finding the place isn't difficult and it is almost a crime to miss it, if you are around.
We waltzed in at about 1 am, thinking that would be the best time to get seated quickly. Clearly, this place is beyond iconic. It took us about 10 minutes to get seated. Well past midnight. So, seated, now what!?! Menu, right. Well, there are about five types of coffee and one dish to order. That's it.
So the waitress asks us what we want. We got some coffee and some Beignets. They don't call them portions, but orders. So, two order beignets, she said. What so iconic about these? They are just fried dough, shaped differently than their Spanish counterparts, the churros.
Oh, I was so wrong. Fried perfectly, (obviously, if you are frying them 24 hours a day for a few centuries) and dusted with powdered sugar, there is something strangely comforting about these. Add the frothy Cafe Au Lait and you're set. Perfect to sit down and read a book, but no, the ones waiting would glare at you. So, people watch for a few minutes, take in the atmosphere and get going! And of course, a check on the bucket list.
Located ideally at the French Quarters, finding the place isn't difficult and it is almost a crime to miss it, if you are around.
