Monday at Morning Call

Need that jolt of joe to get your morning going? If you were in New Orleans circa July 1960 (that’s almost 63 years ago for those of you who don't have a calculator), you would probably be at Morning Call, which was New Orleans’ Most Famous Coffee Drinking Place. Or so says the slogan. Forget the coffee, I’m more interested in the vintage T-Bird!



Just as an FYI, Morning Call is not the same as Café du Monde, which is in the same area but about a block away. If you look on the left of this shot, you can see Morning Call in the background.



And it looks like both places are still in biz. I’m not a huge coffee guy, so I typically go to du Monde for the beignets.



See more New Orleans photos at my main website.

24/7 Beignets & Coffee

Cafe Du Monde has been serving up beignets and hot coffee from the New Orleans French Market since 1862. The first shot shows the iconic location back in the 1950s. In October 1960, the two guests shown below were captured enjoying their java and fried powdered delights.



When the weather is nice, you can sit out on the patio, as these 1950s customers did.



On my visit a few months back, I stopped by the Cafe Du Monde during a very early morning run, hoping to get some shots before it opened and was inundated by tourists. I was not aware that it was open 24/7. As their website states, they are only closed on Christmas Day and whenever the occasional hurricane passes through.



The aroma of the fresh brewed dark roast coffee drew me in; the sight of the perfectly dusted beignets caused me to take a break from my run.



Even though it wasn't 7am, the place was fairly packed.



And here's what they all came for: beignets and coffee. Warning: be careful not to inhale while eating your beignet. You'll be coughing up powdered sugar for days.



Jump on over for more java at my Café du Monde photo page.

Traveling Thursdays: Vintage New Orleans, Pt. 2

Welcome to the "Jazz Corner of the South," Jazz, Ltd., conveniently located on Bourbon Street.

Va-va-voom! Who the heck is Sheeba? I have a feeling our photographer has moved to a different club than Jazz, Ltd. to capture this particular shot.



Perhaps Chez Paree? All I know is I wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of Candie Barr, aka The Texas Terror!



Back to some less "seamy" view of New Orleans:



A little alley with an artist, attempting to capture the flavor of New Orleans with her brush and paper:



Here's a closeup of her painting; wonder what happened to it?



How about a nice cup of java at the world famous Café du Monde? I'm not much of a coffee person, but a beignet sounds like heaven right now.



These two are in hog heaven, completely unaware of the photographer capturing their gluttony for all to see some 50 years later.



See more vintage and contemporary New Orleans photos at my main website.

Traveling Thursdays: The REAL New Orleans

One of my favorite cities to visit is New Orleans. I love the food, the architecture, and the rich history...and yes, even the seediness. It is still so very Tennessee Williams; like Blanche come to life. I have not been since the Katrina disaster, but hope to rectify that in the near future.

Here are a few vintage images:





Oh those yummy beignets!







Fats Domino “Live” in The Big Easy:



Fast forward to 2002: a trip to N.O. would not be complete without visiting its cemeteries.





Jazzfest? What a joke. The real music happens in the French Quarter on the streets and in the clubs.



My fave restaurant in town is Antoine’s; fab service and delicious artery-clogging dining.



Be sure to ask for Chuck (if he’s still there!). He’s a damn good waiter and will take very good care of you.











Across the water is Mardi Gras World, where many of the Parade floats are stored.



Jessica Rabbit looking...well, very busty!







The Fab Four together again:



See more New Orleans photos at my main website.