The Bean Gallery

If you live in New Orleans and you work for a Charter school, then you have most likely been to one of the many local coffee shops in the area. New Orleans is riddled with local coffee shops who enjoy their autonomy. One of the many locally owned establishments in Midcity is called the Bean Gallery. Honestly, I typically avoid this place because I think they pride themselves a little bit too much on being an independent coffee house. Once in a while, someone will slip up and say "grande" instead of "medium" or say "frappuccino" instead of "iced blended coffee drink." This results in a 3 minute tirade and eye roll from the counter staff about how they "are not a Starbucks," and will proceed to stare at you until you say the correct item on the menu. I can understand their snobbery. They are trying to make an honest living and brew delicious coffee and people are addicted to the secret ingredient in Starbucks' coffee.

As I was deciding where to conduct my ritualistic Sunday planning for the upcoming school week, I thought about the multiple choices in independent coffee shops. Then, I remembered The Bean Gallery's bathrooms. Sold. I will go there. Not only did I run into 6 people in the world of education, but one of them also ended up being a student! Also, I was tickled because I gained access to both bathrooms! So, we are in for a special treat of multiple bathroom visits in one location.

There is always a line at the Bean Gallery and when you leave to go to the bathroom while the line goes down, inevitably, the line gets longer while you are visiting the Lou. My first bathroom visit was met with the comfort of wood. (I don't know why wood in bathrooms is so aesthetically pleasing to my eye, but, for some reason, I love it. ) The sink looks almost brand new with a laminated wooden table and a stand alone sink that sits on top. There is foamed, pink soap (jackpot!) and a whole cut out of the top of the table for trash. This bathroom also included a personalized air freshener labeled, "please do not remove me, I like it in here!"

The funky art on the wall is doubled by an old window pane filled in with mirrors. The room is simple and meets all of your needs in an efficient way. The calm and simplicity is the complete opposite of its sister bathroom.

Just one corner of the bathroom.

Speaking of funky art, bathroom number 2 has a complete mural of a abstract butterfly with human eyes. Two walls are covered in yellow, orange, blue, pink, and red acidic colors. On the opposite wall are 4 inch square frames filled with mirror panels that are positioned among 12 other like-made mirrors above the sink. The mirror is thick wood that has left room for people to leave messages, including "gay for pay" and "I luv Lucy!" This bathroom also houses its own personalized air freshener.

If I had been at The Bean Gallery for more than 7 hours, I would be pretty buzzed on coffee and fine biscottis. 7 hours of coffee may lead to a sensory overloaded experience while taking a visit to the Lou. The first time I visited this bathroom, I was in awe. Who made this beautiful painting? Was it an employee? Someone hired to make the bathroom a literal trip with Alice in Wonderland? Regardless, it is beautiful and you could look at it for hours. (or a good 10 minutes while you are letting go of all of that coffee.)

I guess if coffee is a diuretic, you want your patrons to feel either comfort or awe. Even better, you have a choice depending on the mood. So, take a trip to the Bean Gallery. The coffee is not that bad, but the bathrooms are even better. Choose door #1 and you get foam soap :).