From the Big Easy to the Big Apple: Celebrating Mardi Gras 2010 in NYC

February 16, 2010 12:01 pm

From the Big Easy to the Big Apple: Celebrating Mardi Gras 2010 in NYC

It's been a week full of holidays -- Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year and Presidents Day -- but we're not done yet. Today, partygoers nationwide will get the annual Mardi Gras Celebration started with Fat Tuesday. Think about it: what better way to kick the Valentine's Day blues than indulging in some great food and drink all over New York City?

Typically, people think of drinking (and beads) when they think of Mardi Gras, but lest we forget the delicious Cajun Cuisine from New Orleans? This year you have no excuse to not indulge in fantastic NOLA flavors as New York City restaurants are out in full force to capture the Mardi Gras crowd.

This year, the Lower East Side, East Village and Uptown are havens for the gumbo-lovin', crawfish cravin' N'awlins food lovers.

Start your night at Mason Dixon in the L.E.S. Along with a special Louisiana-inspired drink specials including absinthe, hurricanes and bourbon; Cajun-blackened catfish tacos, fried shrimp and andouille sausage are the stars of the menu. Tip: Try pairing spicy shellfish dishes with sweeter white wines like Gewürztraminer. Although most food historians would not consider 25-cent wings official NOLA fare, those not interested in authentic tastes will find these available as well.

For those looking to partake in a bit of philanthropy along with their fried shrimp and gumbo, make a stop at Element-- the venue is hosting a Mardi Gras party from 7 p.m. to midnight to benefit the Lower East Side Girls Club of New York as well as a sister organization in New Orleans. Two Boots will provide the Louisiana-style catering, and traditional costumes and masks are encouraged for attendees. Tickets are $22 in advance, $30 at the door, and $125 for the meal and open bar.

Head farther into the East Village for Back Forty's interpretation of a Big Easy menu. Expect to find shrimp, hush puppies, boudin and jambalaya-- and with each dish Ian McConnell from Sixpoint Craft Ale will provide a specially selected beer accompaniment.

If downtown isn't your scene, head north to one of Brother Jimmy's BBQ's
three Uptown locations. Each location will be offering a bevy of drink and food specials, including po'boys, jambalaya and crawfish.

Technique: Add some Cajun flare to your own cooking by whipping up a batch up easy Creole Seasoning: equal parts of salt, dried oregano, paprika, cayenne and black pepper.

Mason Dixon
133 Essex St (between Rivington and Stanton)
6pm--2am

Element
225 East Houston Street (at Essex Street)
7 pm--12am, Menu available from 8pm--9pm

Back Forty
190 Ave B (between 11th and 12th Streets)
Festivities beginning at 6:30pm

Brother Jimmy's BBQ
1485 Second Ave (between 77th and 78th Streets)
181 Lexington Ave (between 31st and 32nd Streets)
428 Amsterdam Ave (between 80th and 81st Streets)