Lucky me - Here I am, in the thick of the pomp and revelry that is Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Locals will tell you, the carnival season starts weeks in advance of Fat Tuesday. Twelfth Night (January 6th) is the official onset of the Carnival season with parades, balls, and ceremonies following each and every day until the party culminates on Mardi Gras Day.
After living in New Orleans most of my adult life, I quickly learned it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and to plan your revelry and enjoyment of the season accordingly. Below are some of my favorite things about Mardi Gras, for both your entertainment and edification:
The Sucre King Cake, www.shopsucre.com
The king cake is an essential part of the New Orleans carnival season, providing a sugary morning pick-me-up for those still recovering from the previous night or fueling the parade-goers through long sunny days curbside along St. Charles Avenue. Essentially a yeasty Danish or coffee cake that can be filled with cream cheese or fruit, it is then covered with a glaze and sanding sugar in the mardi gras colors of purple, gold and green. Created in honor of the Epiphany, a small figurine of a baby is hidden somewhere in the cake, to be found by one “winning” reveler. My friend Joel has raised the king cake to a whole new standard at his patisserie, Sucre. Looks are not deceiving – the sucre king cake is as delicious as it is pretty! I ship dozens to friends across the country to spread the Mardi Gras cheer every year.
Red Beans & Rice
Nothing provides sustenance and settles a party-weary stomach like the workhorse of creole cuisine, red beans and rice. A simple hearty stew of red beans served over rice has lifted many a reveler out of the party slump. My favorite recipe is from emerils.com, the most basic of recipes that you can season to your taste.
The Bloody Mary
It is no secret that the Bloody Mary is reputed as one of the best cocktails for daytime revelry, often a staple at brunches. In New Orleans, however, everyone likes to put their own spin on it. From dressing the rim with custom spice mixes to an endless array of pickled garnishes, no two bloodies are alike in the crescent city. Everyone has their favorite…mine is from La Petite Grocery on Magazine Street. They take it to a new level with pickled okra and boiled shrimp – trust me when I say it is a meal in itself!
It’s such a good feeling to be sitting curbside along the parade route preparing for another week of celebrating with friends. I hope you find a way to add a little celebration to your week in honor of Carnival.
Happy Mardi Gras!
