Monte Cristo!

[goldmay]

Yes. The two sandwiches are the same, but BB's is a meal (or it was last I got it) and CO's is sandwich only. I can share a Monte Cristo with my dd's and we're all full. That's 4 of us sharing one sandwich! That's how rich it is. It is conveniently cut into four triangles

The Cafe Orleans version comes with a small side of fruit as well, or at least it did a few months ago when I ate there.

 

[whoever]

I loved it....I used to be a REALLY hearty eater (as my 40 # overweight self used to look ala my trip reports). I couldn't even finish mine, and I've been kicked out of all you can eat buffets... it's WAY rich. Nowadays since I've lost about 30 #, I doubt I could slay it.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

The CO version does come with grapes on the side. When we share, we get one MC and one empty plate. Sometimes a CM will give us extra grapes if we ask. At BB, we split the MC for a $12 split fee. That way we each get half a sandwich with a salad or gumbo and fruit on the side. Half a MC is a plenty generous meal and a salad helps balance out the richness.

 

[choirboy501]

I appreciate all the posts in this thread, thanks!

Your opinions have helped shape my decisions on where to eat. I think I will do Café Orleans for a late lunch my last day at DL, ordering both the Monte Cristo and the pommes frites, balancing the day with a lighter breakfast and dinner.

 

[elaine amj]

I should mention that the sides are not that substantial. A small cup of gumbo or side salad, and then a fruit skewer that had a couple of berries and I think grapes on it. I would not consider the sides worth an extra $8, but that's of course subjective.

Good point. The side gumbo is probably $3 ish and the fruit skewer about $2ish. So only about $5ish in value for the $8 upcharge.

I have decided to stick with BB, paying a little extra for the atmosphere.

 

[KeKy4]

We didn't like it either . It's cut into 4 pieces, I only ate one piece and my husband too.
The pommes frites though!! So good!!!! Next time we go I'm getting that and the French onion soup!

 

[DizMe]

Good point. The side gumbo is probably $3 ish and the fruit skewer about $2ish. So only about $5ish in value for the $8 upcharge.

I have decided to stick with BB, paying a little extra for the atmosphere.

That's the main thing to me. The sides used to be very substantial, but I don't mind not getting as much since the MC is so filling and rich. At BB, though, the atmosphere is more fun to me than CO and my kids love it. Since we all share one MC, it isn't a bad price. I think you get bread, but who needs it with an MC?? I've also had poor luck with CO (lousy service). I gave them 4 tries. Three were with my family of 5, and the service was absolutely terrible every time. The other time I was with my friend and the service was very good, so maybe they just don't deal well with larger groups ordering more food, but I won't go back with my family, especially since we all prefer BB anyway.

 

[elaine amj]

Had a Monte Cristo at Blue Bayou today - VERY yummy. The 4 of us ended up sharing one monte cristo and a kids salmon which came with a fairly large side of spaghetti.

It was enough to fill us all without being overstuffed.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

We love Cafè Orleans for lunch. Each of us orders salad or gumbo, then we share a couple of baskets of pomme frites and one cheese monte cristo. We split the four pieces in half and the seven of us share the fruit.

 

[choirboy501]

I forgot about this thread!

My first visit to DL and DCA last September was fantastic. I now consider myself a West Coaster; they are now my favorites.

I did have lunch at Cafe Orleans, and ordered both the frites and the regular Monte Cristo. I had an ADR, and did not have to wait long for my table. I was on the patio, and had an excellent view for people watching in New Orleans Square.

Service was quick, friendly, and helpful with questions.

I enjoyed the food, especially the berry compote that came with the sandwich. Ultimately, it was enough food for 2, maybe 3, people, and ate not quite half of both dishes. But I would order that meal again, but might wait until I could share it with someone.

 

[MICKEYFIL]

Many people really seem to like the Monte Cristo's but I found them to be the worst thing I have ever eaten at DLR - in fact I let half of it on my plate.
For me it was a luke warm lump of congealed cheese between two slices of hardened lard soaked bread.
We try to avoid fatty foods and eat healthy and it was a disappointment.
YMMV!

I couldn't agree more. I was so disappointed. Unlike you I don't care about fatty foods, I just won't eat bad food.

 

[NannyBeBe]

I would just like to add that the Monte Cristo and the Pomme Frites are both very easy to make at home, where you can control the ingredients and fats. I fry the sandwich in shallow oil and it comes out much better, in my opinion.

 

[mamapenguin]

My daughter and I split the Monte Cristo at BB on 2/5. Service was excellent. We didn't finish it, but did pretty well. I am now planning a trip for September and she told me that we have to go back to BB and have the Monte Cristo! We both had the Gumbo and it was very good.

 

[ktlm]

I've had the Monte Cristo at both places. I know they share a kitchen, so I would assume it was just whoever was making it on those particular days, but the ones I have had a Café Orleans are far better than the one time I ordered it at Blue Bayou. My Blue Bayou one was soggy and not so great. They have always been fantastic at Café Orleans. It is definitely enough for 2 people. On our last trip, the server tried to tell me that because DD wanted one too, but I wanted my own because I was starving, and even as hungry as I was, I only made it through half of it. Clearly, I had forgotten how big it really was!

 

[Fuhnuh]

I liked it, but after ordering it once, I would make sure that I shared it with someone who ordered something a little lighter. It was just a little rich for my tastes and I've been known to finish large plates of alfredo or Bechamel based lasagna. Sadly, I've developed an allergy to dairy and will have to live vicariously through these threads for the future.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Sadly, I've developed an allergy to dairy and will have to live vicariously through these threads for the future.

Sorry to hear that but your not alone. All of the sudden I can't tolerate good ice cream or any heavy-cream based dishes.
I had an ice cream cone at Paradise Pier several years ago and was ill for three days.
It's not fair!!

 

[Fuhnuh]

Sorry to hear that but your not alone. All of the sudden I can't tolerate good ice cream or any heavy-cream based dishes.
I had an ice cream cone at Paradise Pier several years ago and was ill for three days.
It's not fair!!

DD15 has severe egg, dairy, tree nut and peanut allergies. I've always had some sort of inflammation/food issue, but it wasn't until I stayed away from dairy to protect my daughter that I started noticing the effect which now involves at least 36 hours of discomfort. My wife continued to have cream for her copy a couple years after I quit dairy, but after spilling her coffee in the car, she quit also. Now she has the same issues. We are now a dairy free family. I miss Mickey Bars still, but have been at it long enough that vicarious dairy works okay for me. DW still salivates when walking by pastries. For me, there is a silver lining. I've always had weight issues and quitting dairy translated into losing about 10 pounds a year until I plateaued at a weight I'm comfortable with.