Beignets - A New Orleans Tradition

We went to New Orleans French Quarters this past weekend.  Actually we went to the Audobon Insectarium, but it is in the Quarters.  We absolutely love New Orleans - in particular, we love the French Quarters.  One of our favorite places is Café Du Monde, a famous French Donut place.  Today I am going to explain the Café Du Monde experience - a must when going to New Orleans...

A beignet is a french fried sweet bread (similar to a donut, but the flavor is very different), piled high with powdered sugar.  It is usually served in a helping of three beignets which is usually plenty for the average person.  Hot coffee, hot chocolate or Café Au Lait is usually a nice combination with the beignets.  Café Du Monde is a very famous New Orleans tradition - ask most any local and they can point you in the right direction to get a good beignet - but Café Du Monde is the best!

A few notes about the wait staff at Café Du Monde; most (but not all) are students,some are regulars and some just show up for a day or so of work - and we have been told time and time again the only pay they get is tips.  You place the order, they stand in line and wait for it to be filled, they buy your order, immediately paying for it at the back, dust it with powdered sugar and bring it to you.  At that time, they collect what they were charged and hope for a tip - aka their salary.  If the waiter or waitress shows up that day, they work, if they don't, someone else works.  They are not assigned tables - if they are first at your table they are your waiter/waitress... and since they are standing in line at the back getting your order - they cannot wait on another table at the same time.  Interesting system, isn't it?   It has worked for many years  :-) 

Are you ready to get a 'taste' of the good stuff?  This is a beignet:

Be prepared to get messy:

Carefully take a bite so the powdered sugar doesn't dust your jacket:

Or your jeans:

Or your face:

Have someone handy that can help you stay clean:

Don't put your arms on the table - it is sugar coated - literally:

Or your feet on the floor for that matter:

And when all of the above fails, wear something to distract the obvious:

Because, no matter how careful you were, you DID get sugar on yourself!

Honestly, it really doesn't matter - you will be on a sugar high and totally content that you have just found a new favorite food to love - New Orleans Beignets.  Come on down - we would love to take you there!

HERE is the owner chatting about his little corner of heaven  :-)

Our next trip?

Going to the Zoo next time! They axin' about me!  

Damn, I missed New Orleans - we finally braved it (after the storm) to see that it is back (and so am I!) - and it is great!!