News Summary
Café Malou has opened its doors in Uptown New Orleans, offering a cozy brunch experience connected to Octavia Books. With a menu that includes Southern comfort food and Italian influences, it aims to be a staple for both dining and reading. Local residents Mani Dawes and Sean Josephs, who have a history in the restaurant industry, are behind this unique café that emphasizes high-quality ingredients and a warm atmosphere.
New Orleans – A new brunch spot has made its debut in Uptown New Orleans, with Café Malou officially opening its doors on October 1. This cozy café, connected to the local bookstore Octavia Books by a set of pivot doors, offers both a unique dining experience and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for reading.
Café Malou is the brainchild of local residents Mani Dawes and her husband Sean Josephs, who have a rich history in the restaurant industry, having previously operated the upscale restaurant Kenton’s on Magazine Street. The café’s name pays homage to Dawes’ grandmother, reflecting memorable family meals at her home in Opelousas.
The venue features a bright front room that welcomes guests with natural light, while a “snug” side area comes complete with cozy booths, providing an intimate dining experience. With the capacity to seat 32 patrons, the décor showcases a rustic charm highlighted by checkered curtains, creating a family-friendly environment.
On the menu, Café Malou presents a diverse array of brunch offerings that highlight Southern comfort food with modern influences. Some standout dishes include:
- Blackened avocado toast
- Ricotta and clementine toast
- Baked grits a la carbonara topped with eggs and bacon
- French toast drizzled with maple/Nutella syrup
- An open-faced baked crab sandwich paired with pimento cheese and daily soup
- Kale Caesar salad infused with roasted garlic and chipped egg
- Dessert options featuring crème brûlée, chocolate pot de crème, and warm brown butter chocolate cookies
The café’s menu was developed in collaboration with Chef Matt Greco, a friend of the owners from New York. Each dish incorporates elements that reflect Spanish and Italian culinary traditions, offering items like gravy eggs with boudin and baked eggs a la cacciatore.
Café Malou takes pride in its use of high-quality ingredients, employing a custom coffee blend from Applied Arts Coffee and sourcing its bread from Bellegarde Bakery. The café operates with both full table service and counter service for takeout, making it a convenient option for various dining preferences.
Initially, Café Malou’s hours are set from Wednesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with plans to expand their service to include daily operations shortly. Currently, the restaurant operates on a walk-in basis without reservations, although private events can be arranged.
Previously, the building that houses Café Malou was home to other eateries, including Scrambled and Toast. The café’s atmosphere aims to provide an inviting space for both casual dining and leisurely reading, drawing in locals and visitors alike.
In addition to its brunch offerings, Café Malou incorporates local flavors, sourcing specialties like boudin and cured meats from The Commissary, which is part of the Dickie Brennan & Co. restaurant group.
With its unique blend of culinary heritage and community spirit, Café Malou looks to become a staple in the Uptown New Orleans dining scene, inviting patrons to enjoy a meal while immersing themselves in literature.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: Café Malou Opens in Uptown
- Google Search: Café Malou Uptown New Orleans
- New York Times: Best Restaurants in New Orleans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans restaurants
- The Infatuation: Best Restaurants in New Orleans
- Google News: New Orleans food culture
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