Cafe Du Monde Reviews

A weird week for me at a family event drinking all sorts of old-school classic roasts the older folks drink. Trying to embrace it. After a Trader Joe's maple yestreday, today, I'm drinking a Café du Monde Coffee and Chicory. Verdict...not bad! smooth and surprisingly well-balanced character. This distinctly New Orleans blend melds roasted coffee with ground chicory, a tradition that dates back to the Civil War and is still beloved for its bold yet approachable flavor. I occasionally sneak in a New Orleans style coffee at Blue Bottle. On the palate, you're greeted with a rich, roasted body and an almost velvety mouthfeel which is impressive for an inexpensive dark roast. The chicory adds a grounding earthiness and a slight woody bitterness that complements rather than overwhelms. The combo works. There's a gentle, smoky sweetness too, reminiscent of dark caramel or toasted marshmallow that lingers pleasantly. Brewed strong, it carries the weight to stand up to milk or condensed milk (as served in a traditional café au lait) or Vietnamese coffee, yet it remains smooth enough to sip black. While specialty coffee purists (including me) might find it less nuanced, Café du Monde offers a nostalgic, comforting flavor with genuine depth at a really good price point.

Theo Chan, Managing Editor

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