NoNo’s Café

Mardi Gras in style at NoNo’s Café

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett; courtesy photo

Fat Tuesday is March fourth. A day of fun in the French Quarter
filled with parades and parties would be a great way to celebrate, but
for most of us here in Colorado, it will be just another day. All is
not lost, however. If you’ve got a hankering for the sweet and savory
treats associated with Mardi Gras, but don’t have a plane ticket to
Louisiana, just head up Santa Fe Drive to NoNo’s Café for some classic
New Orleans-style cuisine.

Opened by native Louisianans Brian and Sonda Brewster in 1996, the
menu features fare familiar to fans of the Big Easy. Cajun style
blackened catfish and ribs, gumbo, bisque, and rich macaroni and cheese.
Southern-style sweets like bread pudding and beignets go great with
café au lait – a blend of coffee and chicory with steamed whole milk.

“We’re very proud of our food and think it is delicious. Everything
is made from scratch,” said Sonda. “Our heritage is one of good food.
It doesn’t have to be spicy – not everything on our menu is – but it
does have to taste good.”

On a recent visit, I enjoyed a fried shrimp po-boy, the classic New
Orleans sandwich. The shrimp was plump and tender and the seasoning was
pleasantly spicy without being overpowering. A bag of Zapp’s potato
chips – made in Louisiana – were a nice, authentic addition.

Breakfast is served every day as well, featuring southern specialties
like biscuits and gravy alongside western favorites like breakfast
burritos. Weekend brunch also offers special dishes like “Ragin’ Cajun
Grits and Two Eggs” and “Breakfast in Bread,” a tasty mixture of
potatoes, eggs, ham, and onions in a bread bowl with sausage gravy.

“We don’t do just southern food,” said Sonda. “We do great homestyle
food like spaghetti and meatballs and beef stroganoff. Our breakfast
burritos have our fantastic green chili, and people eat them all day.”

Of special interest this time of year is the king cake, which is a
coffee cake-style dessert. Made only during Mardi Gras season, the king
cake is a New Orleans favorite, adorned with a colorful sugary topping
and boasting a small, hidden toy “king.” The person who gets the king in
their slice is supposed to bring a king cake to the next gathering.
NoNo’s version of the king cake features a pecan praline cream cheese
filling and is a tasty and authentic way to observe Mardi Gras – even
here in the Rockies. Whole king cakes are available for purchase.

“The king cake is really popular this time of year,” said Sonda.
“Our version of it is moist and delicious.” Call 303-738-8330 to place
an order; two days notice required.

NoNo’s Café is about a 20 minute trip on Santa Fe Drive, located at
3005 West County Line Road, Littleton. Most entrées range in price from
$7 to $10; kids menu is available.

NoNo’s Café is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner,
with brunch on weekends. Business hours vary, so visit www.nonoscafe.com for more information.