AVERY ISLAND, La.--- McIlhenny Company, the maker of Tabasco� brand Pepper Sauce, opened its new restaurant yesterday in celebration of nearly 150 years on Avery Island. The restaurant's name, "1868," is the establishment date of Tabasco� hot sauce.

The cottage-style restaurant features a diverse menu of Tabasco�-infused Cajun favorites prepared by Head Chef Lionel Robin and Sous Chef Chantel Derouen. The daily specials, written on giant wall scrolls, include pepper barrel crawfish etouff�e, pepper jelly boudin, Avery Island red beans and rice and much more.

The wrap around porch offers diners a beautiful view of the factory and country store, while the inside of 1868 is reminiscent of off the beaten road restaurants where the person sitting at the table nearby could be your next door neighbor. The wood tables all appear to have the Tabasco� logo branded onto one corner while the matching seats provide a comfortable respite. The walls host portraits that showcase the inner workings of the Tabasco� Factory as well as a few founding members.

"1868" is open Monday - Sunday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The restaurant is the first of several additions to the new Avery island experience, which will include an expanded tour and visitor center to open this Fall.