The Blue Dog Café has been a staple in Acadiana for more than 20 years. The restaurant is commemorating that milestone with a week-long celebration that starts on Saturday.
The restaurant is owned and operated by artist George Rodrigue's sons, Andre and Jacques. They continue to share the best of what George loved about his home and honor their father's legacy at the restaurant.
Sunday brunch is a Lafayette favorite with a menu that offers regionally inspired dishes that merge classic brunch staples with the flavorful Cajun cuisine for which Blue Dog Café is known. The restaurant is a versatile space with an outdoor patio that can be configured for private events. Off-site catering is also available for events of all sizes
The daily menu is filled with new dishes and old favorites while Wednesday nights have become popular with burger night. "We continue to evolve with the times and tastes of locals and tourists," said Jacques Rodrigue. "Reaching the 20-year milestone is something we want to celebrate with our customers."
To celebrate Blue Dog Café is kicking off weeklong activities and specials starting this Saturday. The free family friendly event starts at 3:00 p.m. and runs through 5:00 p.m. Blue Dog Café is collaborating with the Junior League of Lafayette, George Rodrigue Foundation and the A+ Schools program to create interactive arts for school age children. Kid friendly snacks and beverages will be served along with a Blue Dog birthday cake. Jacques Rodrigue will be in attendance to lead the birthday party and raffle a George Rodrigue print.
Jacques Rodrigue explained why the restaurant is so important to Acadiana.
"Dad was so excited to open this restaurant 20 years ago. Throughout his career, he wanted to document Cajun culture and celebrate everything that that meant and that includes the food. So we've been serving this community for so many years, and we just wanted to thank everyone for supporting us."
The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA) advocates the importance of the arts in the development of youth. GRFA encourages the use of art within all curriculums and supports a variety of art educational programs.
Over the years, Rodrigue assisted numerous non-profits, not only in the arts, but also humanitarian organizations, disaster relief, animal welfare and others. Today, the Rodrigue family and the Rodrigue Foundation's primary focus is to encourage the use of art in education, hoping to inspire in others an early and on-going creative passion similar to George's.
"My dad had a passion for the arts from a very young age," said Rodrigue. "This passion was supported and nurtured throughout his life, allowing him to succeed, and go on to achieve international fame. Through the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA) it is our goal to encourage creativity and provide students an opportunity to succeed by advocating for the arts in education. We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate year 20 in the restaurant business than bringing what he loved to the party. "
GRFA supports Louisiana A+ Schools, which is a research-based whole school network with a mission of nurturing creativity in every learner through an arts-integrated school network. Louisiana A+ Schools is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. "The program has impacted 21 schools in Louisiana, 780 teachers and 11,000 students," said Rodrigue.
The birthday celebration will continue through November 10 with lots of specials and discounts for the 20th. "It will be a really good time to stock up on holiday gift certificates and merchandise, as well as take advantage of some catering deals for tailgating and special events," said Rodrigue. "We will also have a special $20 prix fixe menu and a special signature cocktail. We are celebrating a big birthday for our restaurant and want to mark this achievement with rewards for our customers."
For more information, click here or call the restaurant at 337-237-0005.
