Caffe Fresca/Cafe Noelle
Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:17 pm
After a lengthy construction, Caffe Fresca (W. Metairie Ave. near Clearview) has moved to the other end of the same building. I recall past reports from some who didn't care for their offerings, but we've always found the service prompt, friendly and courteous, and the kitchen reasonably consistent. That the menu remained largely unchanged for several years was probably the biggest shortcoming.
The new space has more of an upscale feel-- darker, with a decor marked by dark woods, rich earth tones and artistic lighting installations. Waitstaff now sport crisp, button-down oxfords with monogrammed cuffs. Gone is the coffee, tea, and pastries bar, replaced by an actual bar. The regular menu has been pared down somewhat. Seafood offerings that were usually found only on the daily specials sheet have been added to the regular menu, along with steaks. The big monetary investment does not appear to have affected menu prices (yet). One has to wonder if some of the clientele from the previous incarnation won't feel slightly out of place in the new environs, or at the very least, slightly underdressed (but, this being New Orleans, probably not).
Perhaps the more interesting news is that the old space, left largely intact upon Caffe Fresca's exit, is now inhabited by "Cafe Noelle", a late/all night breakfast place operated, I'm told, by the owners of Erik's Cafe on West Esplanade. Peering throught the glass, it looks like they will also pick up and run with the coffee and pastry ball that Fresca decided to drop. Hours 9pm-11am Mon-Sat, 24 hours Sundays, according to the window. We're always up for a new weekend breakfast option, so looking forward to giving it a try.
The new space has more of an upscale feel-- darker, with a decor marked by dark woods, rich earth tones and artistic lighting installations. Waitstaff now sport crisp, button-down oxfords with monogrammed cuffs. Gone is the coffee, tea, and pastries bar, replaced by an actual bar. The regular menu has been pared down somewhat. Seafood offerings that were usually found only on the daily specials sheet have been added to the regular menu, along with steaks. The big monetary investment does not appear to have affected menu prices (yet). One has to wonder if some of the clientele from the previous incarnation won't feel slightly out of place in the new environs, or at the very least, slightly underdressed (but, this being New Orleans, probably not).
Perhaps the more interesting news is that the old space, left largely intact upon Caffe Fresca's exit, is now inhabited by "Cafe Noelle", a late/all night breakfast place operated, I'm told, by the owners of Erik's Cafe on West Esplanade. Peering throught the glass, it looks like they will also pick up and run with the coffee and pastry ball that Fresca decided to drop. Hours 9pm-11am Mon-Sat, 24 hours Sundays, according to the window. We're always up for a new weekend breakfast option, so looking forward to giving it a try.