New Orleans | Beignet Binge
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New Orleans?
Is it Fat Tuesday and the extravagant Mardi Gras celebrations and parades? Perhaps Bourbon Street and the vibrant nightlife, after all, we know that the Big Easy can throw one hell of a party. Or did you think about traditional New Orleans jazz and the lounges where you can listen to some of the best musicians in the city? Maybe you’re an architecture enthusiast and admire the Creole style that makes the city so interesting.
For me, it’s indulging in the New Orleans food culture and embracing the motto of the city: “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler.” Rest assured, it’s something that you see and feel throughout the city, no matter where you go.
Cafe Du Monde | Traditional Beignets
I was thrilled when my friend and I decided to take a quick trip to New Orleans. It had been over ten years since I last visited, and I could not wait to see what the city had in store. Aside from the copious amount of restaurants that I wanted to visit, I was determined that this trip needed two things: muffulettas and beignets.
Beignets are a beloved New Orleans specialty, and while you may be able to find them in other parts of the country, no place makes them as good as the Big Easy.
Beignets are a deep-fried pastry, similar to a doughnut, typically made from pâte à choux. While there are various sweet and savory iterations of these treats, most often you will find them topped with mounds of powdered sugar or stuffed with an intoxicating cream. Trust me, you don’t need an occasion to enjoy one of these as they are great with any meal.
While I didn’t get a chance to try ALL the beignets in New Orleans, I put forth a valiant effort and want to share with you my favorites around the city.
If it’s your first time in New Orleans, you must visit the French Quarter mainstay, Cafe Du Monde. This open-air coffee shop is always swarming with people and depending on when you arrive, you may likely find a line around the building. Due to the current COVID-19 protocols, table service is no longer offered, which takes away from the experience but don’t worry, you can still grab your bag of beignets and a café au lait. Often you will find a brass band posted out front and can enjoy their musical stylings while plotting out your plan for the day.
Pro-Tip: Avoid a fashion casualty and avoid wearing dark colors because we all know there’s never too much powdered sugar.
If you find yourself wandering around Magazine Street, pop into The Vintage, which is a chic cafe serving bubbles, beignets, bites, and for the caffeine-obsessed, coffee. If you are looking for a unique twist on this irresistible form of fried dough, look no further than The Vintage. Known for their fancy beignets, guests can choose from a flight of fancy beignets or keep it casual and go the traditional route. Since we were in the midst of carnival season, we opted for a King Cake Beignet and a Traditional Beignet. Both were equally delicious and messy. Next time you find yourself in the Garden District, treat yourself to some bubbles and a beignet flight!
The Vintage | King Cake + Traditional Beignets
Once I booked my flight to NOLA, I immediately went down an Instagram rabbit hole looking for the most mouthwatering dishes New Orleans had to offer. One restaurant that was on repeat was Bakery Bar. As I scrolled through hundreds of photos, I continued to see this layered cake with different creamy fillings and icing. Known to locals as a Doberge, this masterpiece is a traditional New Orleans birthday cake adapted from the Hungarian dobos torte. Comprised of seven layers of cake and six layers of creamy pudding topped with various fondant icing, I promise one slice isn’t nearly enough. While I initially stopped by Bakery Bar for a glass of champagne and a slice of cake before dinner, as one does in New Orleans, I saw the various Carnival menu items and knew that I couldn’t stop there. Before I knew it, King Cake Beignets made their way in front of me. Filled with whipped Grand Marnier cream cheese and topped with purple, green, and gold cinnamon-infused sugar, it’s the perfect treat to get you in the carnival spirit.
Bakery Bar | King Cake Beignets
Even though I’ve focused primarily on the sweet-pillowy beignets of the Big Easy, you will also find savory iterations throughout many restaurants. Known for being a “locals only” establishment, you won’t find many tourists at Clancy’s. Located in Uptown New Orleans, Clancy’s is well worth the 15 minute Uber out of the French Quarter. While I could dedicate an entire post to this quintessential New Orleans establishment (stay tuned), one dish you don’t want to miss is the Crawfish Beignets. These were added to the menu just as we were seated and our server, Peter, insisted that we try them. Y’all, I am pretty sure I blacked out after the first bite. These savory little pillows were filled with crawfish, sprinkled ever so slightly with powdered sugar, and then topped with some magical spices. By far the absolute perfect sweet and savory combination. What a way to start our meal.
Clancy’s Restaurant | Crawfish Beignets
A staple to locals and visitors alike, beignets are an integral part of New Orleans cuisine. No matter which variation you prefer, they are guaranteed to go down easy.
If you have a New Orleans favorite, drop it in the comments below. I’d love to hear about it!
Until Next Time!