Formerly known as Cafe du Monde (till the original Cafe du Monde in New Orleans spoke up), this coffee shop just down the street from the adored Metropolis Coffee Company in Edgewater can expect some stiff competition. However, it's a nearer meeting place than Metropolis for people coming from west of Broadway Avenue, and an easy pull-over stop for commuters heading down Broadway. The space housed Viva Java coffeehouse for eight years, and a long, quiet emptiness settled in when Java shut its doors. It has now been transformed into the new Cafe du Monde, a name that implies a New Orleans-inspired cafe, but instead teems with Asian sculptures and artifacts.

With an immense collection of lush plants lining the full wall of windows, you'll see red tablecloths peeking out from the green when you look in from Granville. The many tables for two are arranged in neat little rows, and sit super-close together, a proximity that coffee house regulars typically don't want (who likes someone reading over their shoulder or listening to a private conversation?). There is a more isolated nook around the corner, though, full of magazines and two big living room chairs propped in front of an antique wood hutch. The cafe also offers free internet access at its computer station.

The coffee is good, and for the "small" order you'll walk away with a cup much bigger than Starbucks' "tall." Most cappuccinos, lattes and fanciful flavored coffee drinks are in the $3-plus range, as are the selection of deserts and pastries (like turtle brownies, muffins and cookies). The generous tea selection should bring tea lovers in from all over Edgewater this winter, so that we can see this solid little corner shop survive.

Centerstage Reviewer: Heather Blaha