Eleanor Pojman
Royalton Recorder
Oct 5, 2006

A taste of New Orleans called the French Quarter Café has found a welcoming home in a corner of North Royalton, next to Drug Mart at Wallings and State Roads. Kimberly and Chris Davis, evacuees from Hurricane Katrina, have settled in our area and have designed the unique venue drawing upon their love for the culture and cuisine of New Orleans. A large fleur-de-lis, the ubiquitous symbol of New Orleans, decorates the wall and the entrance doors, and punctuates the menu.

Although small cafes serving only takeout sandwiches abound in the Crescent City, the Davises have wisely included room for people to eat and chat. "I wanted to create an atmosphere for people to relax and enjoy music," Kimberly says. There are numerous booths, as well as a comfy corner with a sofa and side chairs. Weather permitting, tables and chairs set outside are available. There is a bright, friendly feeling to the resaurant, reflecting the upbeat personalities of its owners.

Kimberly Davis, 26, grew up in North Royalton in the Francesangelo family, so when the couple left on short notice from New Orleans to escape the hurricane, this was the logical place to seek shelter. The couple had moved to New Orleans when Chris was studying at Tulane University. Kimberly achieved her expertise while working as manager of a wine bar-restaurant in the business district of the city. Chris, 28, a licensed insurance agent, is now working for her father's agency. Who does the cooking? "We both do," says Chris.

Beignets, the mouthwatering delicacy made popular at the Cafe DuMonde in the French Quarter, will be available here, now that the deep-frying equipment has arrived, says Chris. And it's a given--one won't be enough!

The French Quarter Café's menu lists a Big Easy breakfast, L'il Bayou meals for the youngsters, Crescent City wraps, Garden District salads, Southern Style paninis, Build Your Own Lee Circle fruit Dixieland Smoothies, and a whole lot of other coffee selections. For dessert, there are Magazine Street Crepes, or pralines, cookies and biscotti.

If you have never been to New Orleans, there definitely is a bit of it here in North Royalton. The hours are Monday-Thursday 7am to 8pm; Friday 7am to 10pm; Saturday 8am to 10pm; Sunday 10am to 2pm. For a call-ahead pick up, the phone number is 440-237-9966.