Usually when I have been to New Orleans, it was always hot and humid; this time, it was actually cold! So we decided to try beignets. Beignets sound expensive, but they are actually pretty inexpensive. They are square doughnuts with powdered sugar sprinkled on top. They are wonderful! Unfortunately, it's hard to find them outside of New Orleans or France.

The only problem I had with the restaurant was that there were pigeons flying around everywhere. I was always afraid one was going to leave me a package, but they never bothered us. If you go to New Orleans, you must go to Cafe du Monde.

"Chocolate, men, coffee - some things are better rich." ~Author Unknown

Since 1862, this French coffee stand has been serving cafe au laits and beignets, French powdered doughnuts. The Cafe is near the Jackson Square. I went to mass at the St. Louis Cathedral around eleven o'clock one Sunday evening and ate beignets afterwards. Coffee with chicory and half hot milk is also served. It is open 24 hours daily. Early morning crowds flood the place until after 11am or so. I recommend coming early or try to fight the crowds. The waiters move around quickly and the outdoor section has its tables close together, so watch out that you don't collide into them. When trying a beignet, don't wear any fancy clothing or anything that could get stained unless plenty of napkins are at hand. The beignets are covered with sugar and can be pretty messy. I know this from personal experience.

This is New Orleans' world-famous coffee stand at the French Market. You will have to wait in line, but there are many tables, and the line moves pretty fast. Besides, it's fun to watch the street entertainers while you wait. The specialty here is cafe au lait and beignets: New Orleans' version of coffee and doughnuts. It is quite delicious. We enjoyed ours while watching a clown out on the sidewalk make cartoon characters out of balloons.

What an awesome little café. They're open 24 hours a day. You sit down, have a few beignets with all that powdered sugar, a cup of joe with or without chicory, or hot chocolate, and watch the world go by. They don’t offer anything other than beignets. No eggs, potato, bacon, or toast here. But it’s a not-to-miss when you go to New Orleans. This café is always packed. They do have a small indoor section, but mainly patio seating under an awning. When it rains, they roll down the side awnings to have it enclosed. They also have a to-go window inside the restaurant. Have patience, and don't hesitate to be aggressive when a table does open up, you will not be the only one that wants it. Also, most of the waitstaff don’t speak very good English. Have patience with them. Words of wisdom: Don't ask too many questions. Last time we were there, they stood there expecting a tip right after we paid. You do have to pay once your food arrives. This place is an icon. If you don't want to be involved in this don't go. Lastly, if you get a little powdered sugar on yourself, good job--just don't wear black.

Jumpstart your day at Café Du Monde, located at 800 Decatur Street since 1862. No visit to New Orleans would be complete without a visit to Cafe du Monde for beignets (ben-yays) and cafe au lait (cahfay-oh-lay). The beignets are small, square, French-style donuts nestled in a cloud of powdered sugar. Café Au Lait is a tantalizing mix of half-strong, chicory coffee and half-steamed milk - the perfect complement for the beignets.

During morning hours, Café Du Monde is crowded. Expect to wait in line. When you reach the front of the line, grab a table as soon as you see someone getting up. Don’t wait for it to be cleaned or you’ll lose out to more fleet-footed diners.

Don’t want to wait? It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except on Christmas and during hurricanes, so go for a late afternoon or midnight snack. It's a great place to sit outside and people-watch at any time of the day.

Hint: Don’t wear black. There’s no way to avoid dusting your face and clothes with powdered sugar as you dig in and delight in this New Orleans tradition!