A strong turnout was on hand Tuesday for the grand opening of Destrehan Plantation’s latest addition – the long-awaited Indigo Cafe.
The cafe, located in Destrehan Plantation’s gift shop, opened in May after approximately nine months of construction. The menu has already evolved – ice cream and pastries were the focus on day one, and a strong selection of sandwiches and wraps have been added to the menu since then.
Patrons can also enjoy hot and iced coffees, root beer floats, Blue Bell ice cream and bread pudding among offerings, as well as a host of “grab and go” items. Plans to add hot dishes like gumbo and etouffee are in the works as well.
The aim was to offer a more all-inclusive experience to visitors of the popular landmark and tourist attraction.
“People who are here for a tour and want something to eat – we’ve had snacks, but they’re looking for something of substance,” said Joshua Pardo, Destrehan Plantation gift shop manager. “We’ll suggest places around here to go, but a lot of the locals have been to those places a million times and we wanted to offer them something different – and for tourists, to give them that full experience, now we’ve got you right here.”
Some of the items have already gained notable popularity. The chicken salad sandwich The Destrehan – the cafe’s signature item – has been a hit, along with The Italian, which is similar to a muffaletta.
“The sandwiches we offer, people enjoy them – and they’re quick,” Pardo said.
To make the cafe a reality, the gift shop underwent a major reconstruction project.
“We moved the restrooms, reduced the office, opened up this back room and turned it into the cafe we have today,” Pardo said.
The Indigo name is a nod to Destrehan’s first cash crop, as well as some of the items one can find in the gift shop, like indigo jewelry and indigo dye.
Tracy Smith, executive director of Destrehan Plantation, said the cafe’s ice cold treats are especially nice to have during these sweltering summer months.
“You can’t go wrong with Blue Bell ice cream – especially right now,” Smith said.
He added that the changes aren’t done yet. Another phase of this project will begin during the next several days as an additional outdoor covered deck will be added adjacent to the cafe that seats an additional 40 visitors. A new information center room will also be added.
“For us, it’s a way of adding to the experience for both the tourists and locals,” Smith said. “People now have the option to come in and enjoy this. Especially once we have the deck, which will play well in the fall and winter.”
Ray Gregson, CEO of the River Region Chamber of Commerce, said Tuesday was a good day for the parish.
“The Indigo Cafe is a great example of how local small business can enrich our community – offering delicious food, friendly service, and creating jobs right here in St. Charles Parish. We’re proud to welcome this new gathering spot to the River Region,” Gregson said.
The Indigo Cafe is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
