café du monde. i always figured this was a tourist trap and stayed away during my new orleans visits. this trip, i figured i’d be a tourist and hit it. i went twice and had two totally different experiences. my first visit was a late morning thursday. perfecto. my café au lait was perfect, served in a heavy cup with a saucer and beignets that were a melt in your mouth delight. each bite i tried not to let any of the piled on powdered sugar fall off. a sublime experience through and through. my next visit was not so grand. the staff was different, almost totally vietnamese and some with little knowledge of english. here’s the 411; if you want a café au lait in a real cup, & you do want your café au lait in a real cup, then you gotta order a café au lait. that's it. not a large café au lait. if you order a large café au lait, you’ll get it in a styrofoam cup. ick, no thanks. that’s your new orleans travel tip. and here’s a short history lesson on café du monde. you’re welcome.
Café Du Monde French Market
800 Decatur Street, New Orleans
504-525-4544
open 24 hours a day
closed 6pm December 24, opens 6am December 26
