FAT TUESDAY
Mardi Gras, meaning Fat Tuesday in French, lives up to its name. For some, the day before Lent is dedicated to flashing their goods for plastic beads, but for many pious foodies it’s a chance to indulge before the start of the yearly fast that accompanies Lent. Mardi Gras is a celebration dedicated to the foods our stomachs adore so tonight, jump right in to a bucket of Cajun crawdads or a heaping serving of gumbo to celebrate this holiday right. Whatever your reason for celebrating Mardi Gras, here are a few great NYC New Orleans-inspired restaurants celebrating today’s holiday in big ways.
Even if you're not able to be in New Orleans for the big day, you can still break out the beads and cause a raucous. It might not be the same as the real thing, but there are plenty of restaurants and bars that offer Southern charm and hospitality in good ol' NYC. Unless you're one of the lucky ones that either a) took today off or b) called in "sick" and are already knee-deep in hurricanes and jumbalaya, grab your crowd after work/class/etc. and put your party pants on. Mardi Gras (which means Fat Tuesday) is meant for eating and debauchery before Lent begins, so get ready - we've rounded up a few of NYC's most authentic Nawlins parties sure to fatten and rowdy up its patrons.
Mardi Gras, widely regarded as Fat Tuesday, has had a long-standing history of being quite the party, especially in San Francisco, no matter what neighborhood you're in.
In the Fillmore district, Fat Tuesday started early on Saturday, March 5th;this four-day celebration teems with music, fun, and food and ends today with a bang: the Fifth Annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball at the Fillmore Bay Conference Center.
If you are looking for something with a less strict dress code, head up to Amoeba Music for their annual parade and live performance from Vaud and the Villains. The fun begins at 3 p.m. on Tuesday with the Villains performance starting at 6 p.m.
It’s that time of year, Mardi Gras time! The celebration is in full swing down in good ol’ NOLA. Although we don’t see too many Mardi Gras festivities here in South Florida, one restaurant sure is helping to ring in Fat Tuesday. On Tuesday, Mar. 8th, Angelique Euro Cafe is spicing up their menu “Nawlins” style with recipes straight from the Big Easy. As part of the celebration, they’ll have live jazz at 6:30pm along with a special "Fat Tuesday" menu including items like Shrimp Béarnaise and Creole Steak. Cajun-seasoned Chef LeRoy Bautista, formerly of the New Orleans restaurant scene for more than 20 years, will feature dishes such as Shrimp and Sausage & Pepper Po’ Boys, Caramelized Onion Beef Sliders, and Crawfish Etouffee.
Mardi Gras springs a lot of different images to mind, whether it be who can accrue the most plastic beads or who gets the prize in the King’s Cake. Most importantly, Fat Tuesday is a day to overindulge. It doesn’t matter if you plan on starting your fast the following day, anyone can participate.
Mardi Gras has a long-standing tradition of great drinks. Here are just a few different recipes to entertain you and your friends.
Hurricane
2 ounces light rum
2 ounces dark rum
2 ounces passion fruit syrup or juice (whichever is available)
Nevermind the fact that it's snowing flakes the sizes of quarters, nothings stop Mardi Gras. Or at least nobody's willing to call it quite yet. As far as ways to celebrate go, it may not be New Orleans out there, but it's still New York. Even if the snow keeps you at home, there's nothing wrong with a few Hand Grenades and Hurricanes among friends. And yes, I am talking about the cocktails.
Here is a suggestion for those who aren't content to sit inside listening to Dixieland Jazz on last.fm. If you're looking for a Mardi Gras parade with a distinctly Brooklyn twist, head down to the party mecca known Park Slope for bicycle floats, go go dancers, revelers, and beads galore. The L Magazine and Southern Comfort sponsored extravaganza begins at Driggs Ave on the Southeast corner of McCarren Park around 7PM tonight and is quickly followed by a crowning ceremony for the King and Queen of Mardi Gras (best costumes) and musical performances by Wavves and MNDR at Brooklyn Bowl. The after party is free with mandatory RSVP. Jangly surf rock, feathers, and bowling await those willing to brave the elements.
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