Elegant Affairs Begin at Bennett House

By Mia Freneaux

Just 15 minutes from Central sits a beautiful, historical home in a peaceful pastoral setting. This is Bennett House, a reception facility situated under stunning 100 year old live oaks. Run by Danya and Dustin Delapasse of Zachary and Gary and Lynne Doiron of Central, Bennett House offers a gorgeous framework for truly spectacular, one of a kind events. Built in the late 1800’s by Dr. Lane (of Lane Memorial Regional Hospital fame), the house was later owned by the Bennett family for many years. They actually had the house turned on its foundation, using mules and logs, to face Plank Road as it presently does. Mrs. Bennett was a long time piano teacher, and the piano at which she taught so many still graces the front room.

Inside, Bennett House is filled with lovely antiques and original oil paintings. A graceful staircase adorns the center of the hall, and chandeliers sparkle at intervals throughout. Mantlepieces and corbels (some rescued from Katrina’s aftermath) add architectural interest, along with tall, original windows enhanced with elegant draperies. 3 dining areas, a front bar and a large back room with a fully stocked bar and dance area are featured. Upstairs, a bride’s room and a groom’s room are available. Outside, a chapel area defined by custom wrought iron work is surrounded by lovely, professionally landscaped grounds.

Bennett House offers menu selections featuring family recipes and some created by professional chef Gary Bonnano , formerly of Drusilla Seafood. All items are prepared in house by their fully trained staff, to be served buffet-style. Many menu options are available to suite any taste and budget. Sample items include smoked pork loin, fried turkey, crab mornay, and many other mouth-watering offerings. Served with a choice of beautifully presented hors d’oeuvres, vegetables, and desserts, Bennett House has something to tempt any palate.

"We aim to please our clients with our attention to detail," states owner Danya Delapasse, "We meet with our clients and plan their event down to the last detail, even offering samples of our menu items. We create ‘sweetheart boxes’ for our brides and grooms, and give complementary champagne to our bridal parties. Couples who book their reception with us are given the opportunity to use our beautiful grounds for their portrait setting at no extra charge. We can accommodate anything from very casual to formal and elegant. Our food is the very freshest, we buy from local merchants and make sure that it is prepared according to the highest standards." Come and experience gracious Southern hospitality for your one of a kind event. Bennett House 21059 Plank Road (just north of the Zachary Crossroads) 654-0550.