I had done some consulting work for a young couple in Baton Rouge, at their home, and for a new venture they were launching called the Magpie Cafe. Lina, the lady of the house, has a natural talent for interior decor, and the new home she and husband James had just moved into was off to a good start. I helped with a floor plan, and pointing the way to further what they already had going on. Sometimes a second, experienced opinion, and a sounding board is all that it takes to move a project along.
As the house was getting done, they told me they were chasing their dream of working for themselves. Both had long professional careers, straight jobs that they enjoyed well enough, but they felt ready to do something they were truly passionate about.
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| James and Lina Jacobs owners of the Magpie Cafe in Baton Rouge |
So they decided to open the Magpie Cafe in Baton Rouge. They called me in to weigh in and consult on the floor plan and decor. The space was a former tattoo parlor/hair salon. On a tight budget, they would have to implement the ideas themselves, so armed with a punch list, they were off. They thought they'd be open in a month.
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| Magpie Cafe - 3205 Perkins Rd. in the Perkins Overpass area - Open 7 AM - 5 PM Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5PM Saturday, Closed Sundays - Web site under construction magpiecafe-brla.com |
Of course, many issues cropped up from parking zoning, to whatever else comes up when you have to do some renovation. Needless to say that one month stretched into many before they could open, and with no regular paychecks coming in, and no income from the cafe coming in either, nerves were frayed.
Being true to their vision gave them the confidence to weather the storm, and the Magpie Cafe opened in May. Their vision is clear: Serve fresh truly local food and the best coffee, in an uncomplicated, honest, and charming way.
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| Great coffee made in a great espresso machine |
The focus is an espresso bar. James is passionate about artisan coffee, and I swear to God he makes the best cup of coffee I have ever had. He would make coffee for me when I was at their home helping out with the decor, so I could not wait for the fancy espresso machine at Magpie to fire up and produce a cup of coffee for me.
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| The best cup of coffee I have ever had comes from the Magpie Cafe |
The decor is clean and unpretentious. Tolix chairs, green top cafe tables,
wall lamps from West Elm, glass cake pedestals and cloches, and charming student art graces the walls (at very affordable prices). Lina is an art collector, so the pieces she chooses are very good. Graphics favor nice typography, and Lina designed a wall made from $100. of reclaimed wood from The Green Project, that she and James installed themselves. Upgrades will come with time.
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| The wall that Lina designed from reclaimed wood has already caused a stir - Locals call it "The Wall" - Steal this idea! I also love the vintage lamp and coffee table paired with the comfy leather chairs |
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| Tolix chairs in the dining room |
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| A farm table Lina acquired to use for family style community dining in the cafe - Student art work graces the walls |
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| Student art at Magpie - $15.! |
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| Portrait of Red Velvet Cake |
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| Love this guy - Student art work at Magpie Cafe |
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| So cute - Student art work at Magpie Cafe |
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| Charming graphics everywhere - Service is attentive and laid back |
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| Rest room door sign |
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| Rest room door sign |
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| Even the to-go cups are cute and eco-friendly |
Lina loves healthy food, and she is presently making all the food, baked goods, sandwiches, soups, and salads at Magpie. She says she is not a chef (yet), but once again as she is blessed with natural talent in home decor, she is blessed with natural talent is food preparation.
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| Lina prepares food with love in the kitchen |
The menu changes everyday (go the
Magpie Cafe Facebook page to see the daily menu). Lina opens the cafe at 5 AM with a barrista, while James shops the local organic markets for the food Lina will prepare for lunch. Lina makes creative, uncomplicated food, with some surprising and delightful flavor combinations. Her food tastes like food, if you know what I mean.
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| Shared lunch on the day I was at Magpie Cafe - Fresh and delish! |
The sandwiches are all heated in a Panini press. There are two sandwiches choices, one Vegan and one with meat. There is a soup, and a salad offered as well. And it all sells out early. Only enough is made fresh for that day, so when it's gone, its gone. Lina also makes the baked goods, fresh and organic and so yummy.
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| Everyone in Baton Rouge is talking about the Magpie Cafe HERE |
Lina plans to offer more retail. Right now there is a collection of great glass containers for sale.
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| Well priced glassware for sale at Magpie Cafe |
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| Love these bottles for sale at Magpie Cafe - Perfect for flowers |
The buzz around Baton Rouge about Magpie Cafe is tremendous. There has been a significant amount of local press, but the word of mouth is even more exciting. Top chefs are stopping by for a bite, and everywhere you go if you mention Magpie, people are already hooked on it, or dying to check it out.
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| Live What You Love, the motto of Lina and James Jacobs - This sign was in their home office, and now hangs at their fabulous Magpie Cafe |
So if you live in Baton Rouge, lucky you. If you are passing through, stop by and get something really good to eat, and the best coffee ever. Lina and James are excellent hosts, and the space is open, airy, pretty, and friendly. Their motto is Live What You Love, and it is infectious.
PS Stay tuned. A little buzz is also going around about the 2009 US Salon Tango Champions hosting a once a month tango night at Magpie Cafe...
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