Gente de NAHJ: Brandon Pellerin wants New Orleans visitors to know the history of coffee and calas
“This is the best coffee in Louisiana.”
That’s the first thing Brandon Pellerin tells visitors when they step into Calas Cafe, a small business located next to the Cabildo Museum in Jackson Square.
His coffee, inspired by a recipe passed down from his grandmother, is made without sugar or milk. Instead, he uses vanilla to enhance the coffee’s natural flavor while adding a touch of sweetness. But while that bold claim catches visitors’ attention, Pellerin says he hopes they’ll remember something else: the story behind the cafe’s signature dish, the cala.
For the past three years, Calas Cafe has partnered with the Cabildo to share the history of this rice-based fritter. According to Pellerin, calas were brought to New Orleans by enslaved West Africans during the 17th and 18th centuries and predate the city’s famous beignets.
For Pellerin, the partnership with the museum isn’t just about serving food — it’s about preserving history. “I hope when you stop in New Orleans, you’re able to stop by Calas Cafe,” he said, “and indulge in our oldest piece of food history.”
Vivian Hernández Mejia is a recent graduate from the University of Arkansas. She was an anchor at La Voz Arkansas and the vice president of her school’s NAHJ chapter. She aspires to pursue a career as a news producer. Reach out to her at vivianmejia123@gmail.com.
