Zydeco Breakfast at Cafe des Amis

This is, in our estimation, one in a list of thirty marvelous places, flavors, events, and experiences that anyone who lives in—or loves—our part of the world should experience at least once in his or her lifetime.

The list of things worth getting out of bed on a Saturday before dawn is not long (invitation to royal wedding, house on fire, etc.); but add an entry for Café des Amis. Where else can you have an ice-cold Bloody Mary in hand, hear the jangle of notes from an expertly-hefted accordion, and feel the rush of cowboy boots on a well-worn dance floor … all before 8 am? Old and young. Black and white. Experienced dancers and first-timers—it doesn’t matter: this is a dance floor where everyone belongs and no one’s a stranger. The food’s fantastic too. Trust us: until you’ve broken your fast with a boudin-stuffed beignet, you haven’t lived.