The architecture is Spanish in white stucco, arches, large entrance doors, high ceilings, stone floors, and stories held within these walls.  You know there is a presence here but the stately old buildings, while in need of attention, are welcoming.  Although these buildings have many stories from the past to tell, they are now housing new stories and a place of courage where the past forms the future.  This is Café Hope.

Restaurants with a purpose always interest us and when we find one we support it.  So it is with Café Hope in Marrero, LA.  The program educates at-risk young people in the ways of the service industry as well as in the ways of life.  The first four weeks of the program is entitled “Seeds of Success” with weekly themes of Attitude, Awareness, Communication, and Problem Solving.  After completing the initial four weeks the students then move to the dining room and kitchen.  Many cities have this type of program but what makes Café Hope unique is the location of its campus.  The school is on the campus of the former Hope Haven, founded in 1925 by Msgr. Peter Wynhoven, a refuge for orphaned boys and those from impoverished families where they could be educated and learn a trade. Msgr. Wynhoven had a vision and a dream to give children hope for a future and that hope continues to flow through Café Hope.

Hope for the future

Outside the café is the school garden which is tended by the students.  Each of the menu selections for the evening, except for the ice cream, had at least one ingredient from the school’s garden.

Garden

Garden

First course included Shrimp Salad, Tomato & Zucchini Bisque, and Corn Griddle Cakes with Beet puree and goat cheese.  Watermelon in the Shrimp Salad gave it a really fresh air and the jalapeno mint dressing gave it a zing – great combination.  The bisque was creamy and brow sweating spicy.  The griddle cakes included fresh corn and beet puree both from the garden.  The soft goat cheese topped it off.  We all decided we’d order each again.

Entrees were Café Hope BBQ Shrimp and Pasta, Osso Bucco and Stuffed Bell Pepper.  Of the entrees, the Osso Bucco was a huge stand out, rich, packed with flavor and will be remembered as outstanding.  In the end the only thing we left with were one of the two stuffed peppers and a small part of the Osso Bucco.

Osso Bucco

BBQ Shrimp with Pasta

Stuffed Peppers

As always happens, John was the only one ordering desert – Louisiana Blueberry Buckle with whipped cream.  And as always, everyone helped totally wipe the desert place clean.

Louisiana Blueberry Buckle

If you are in the New Orleans area, make a special trip to Café Hope to enjoy a great meal and support the program – “Cooking up great food and bright futures”.  We look forward to returning on our next trip to the area.

Cafe Hope

Church on campus

One of the campus buildings

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