Sunday, August 5, 2007

Cafe DuMonde In New Orleans Square

If you've ever been to the French Quarter in New Orleans, chances are you've been to Cafe DuMonde. It's a small cafe just off of Jackson Square, right on the bank of the Mississippi. It's one of many icons in the city, having been established in 1862. They are open 24 hours a day 364 days a year. They only close for Christmas Day or for a passing hurricane.

Cafe DuMonde serves mostly coffee, assorted beverages, and beignets- which are french style donuts covered with powdered sugar. Its just a quaint little place to hang out any time of the day, especially when its raining.


When I was in New Orleans a while back, I partook of Cafe DuMonde daily. It baffled me that Cafe DuMonde was not included when New Orleans Square was added to Disneyland in 1966. It would be as odd as the Italy Pavilion in Epcot having a restaurant that didn't serve pasta. New Orleans Square needs a Cafe DuMonde.

When Downtown Disney was added, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen was one of many restaurants added as well. At the little Jazz Kitchen Express counter next door you can actually get beignets. They even sell Cafe DuMonde brand boxed beignet mix. Its nice to be able to get beignets somewhere at the park, but it would be more fitting to have an actual Cafe DuMonde inside the park at New Orleans Square.

Not all the ideas on this blog are huge blockbuster E-ticket rides. I'm actually more intrigued by the small things that can be added or changed. Its the little nuances and authenticities that are more or less exclusive to Disneyland, that contribute as much value and charm as the big attractions.

1 comment:

Galen Gallimore said...

When I lived in SoCal and visited DL regularly, I was thrilled to find the original Cafe Du Monde Beignet mix in the Pirate's store (at the Pirate's ride exit). Not sure if it's still for sale but this was back in 1999-2001.

The cans of coffee are often available in ethnic food stores, interestingly enough. Making a pot of Cafe Du Monde and a batch of Beignets is a wonderful way to kill an afternoon...and a diet. Pull 'em right out of the fat and let em drain before dropping them in a paper bag with a good dose of powdered sugar and shake!

Nice blog, btw.

Galen