A Sweet Taste of New Orleans: The Story of Cafe Du Monde and the Beloved Beignet

Just a short stroll from Jean Lafitte House, nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, stands one of New Orleans' most iconic institutions: Cafe Du Monde. This world-famous coffee stand has been serving up delicious beignets and café au lait to locals and visitors alike for over 160 years. Let's dive into the rich history of this New Orleans landmark and its signature treat.

The Birth of a Legend

Cafe Du Monde first opened its doors in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. Its name, which means "Cafe of the World" in French, reflects the city's cosmopolitan heritage. Originally, the cafe was a simple coffee stand, but it soon became famous for something much sweeter: the beignet.

What Exactly is a Beignet?

A beignet (pronounced ben-YAY) is a square piece of dough, fried until it puffs up into a pillow-like pastry, and then generously dusted with powdered sugar. It's often described as a French doughnut, but locals will tell you it's so much more than that. Crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside, and completely irresistible, beignets are the ultimate New Orleans comfort food.

The History Behind the Beignet

Beignets were brought to Louisiana by the Acadians, French colonists who were expelled from Canada in the 18th century and settled in New Orleans. These settlers adapted their traditional recipe to use local ingredients, and the New Orleans-style beignet was born. In 1986, the beignet was officially designated the state doughnut of Louisiana, cementing its place in local culinary history.

Why Cafe Du Monde is a Must-Visit

Cafe Du Monde's popularity stems from several factors:

1. Tradition: For many, a trip to New Orleans isn't complete without a stop at Cafe Du Monde. It's a tradition passed down through generations.

2. Simplicity: The menu is beautifully simple - beignets, coffee, and a few other beverages. They do one thing, and they do it extremely well.

3. 24/7 Operation: The main location is open 24 hours a day, 364 days a year (closed only on Christmas Day), making it a perfect spot for a late-night snack or early morning treat.

4. Atmosphere: The open-air cafe, with its green and white striped awnings, offers a quintessential New Orleans experience. Watching the skilled servers navigate the busy tables is a show in itself.

5. Value: Despite its fame, Cafe Du Monde has kept its prices reasonable, making it an affordable indulgence for all.

A Stone's Throw from Jean Lafitte House

One of the best things about staying at Jean Lafitte House is our proximity to this New Orleans institution. The original Cafe Du Monde location in the French Market is just a 10-minute walk from our doorstep. This means you can easily satisfy your beignet cravings at any time of day or night!

Tips for Your Visit

1. Be prepared for a line, especially during peak times. But don't worry - the wait is part of the experience, and the line moves quickly.

2. Bring cash, as some locations don't accept credit cards.

3. Don't wear black - that powdered sugar gets everywhere!

4. Try the café au lait, a perfect complement to the sweet beignets.

At Jean Lafitte House, we're proud to be neighbors with such an iconic piece of New Orleans history. Whether you're an early bird looking for a sweet start to your day, or a night owl in need of a midnight snack, the delights of Cafe Du Monde are just a short walk away. So why not treat yourself to a taste of New Orleans tradition during your stay with us? After all, as we say in New Orleans, "Laissez les bons temps rouler" - Let the good times roll!