Mystics

Mystics is a restaurant in Penni, Enca, operated by the DeSpain family for more than five hundred years.

Location and history

Penni, Enca; open 24 hours; operated by the DeSpain family for over 500 years; DeSpain family is an Encan old family line with over 2,000 years of history

Buildings and operations

Four-story New Orleans-inspired building; lower two floors are the restaurant; upper two floors are owners’ apartments; hardwood floors, mahogany tables/chairs, old but clean bar, bakery case; clean, homey, well-kept atmosphere; line often forms at the door

Food and activities

Fresh homemade Cajun comfort food; beer and moonshine; red velvet cake, bread pudding, pecan pie, peach pie, bananas Foster; best beignets anywhere in the world; exceptional food

People

Owners: Granny DeSpain (72, master Cajun chef), grandson Rinaldo DeSpain (muscular athletic Creole man, golden-brown eyes, long brown hair tied in a masculine bun while working), twin sister Aise (blonde hair, brown eyes); favorite of Curtis Misericorde, Syzgian DuLoncray, Remy Gousselle; Vincent Faust is a regular; Gigi Parkson works as waitress

History and society

Distinguish from Blue Sands Tavern: Mystics is known for outstanding homemade Cajun food and beignets; Blue Sands serves decent but unexceptional bar food. Gigi works at both venues.