The Krewe of Pygmalion welcomes you to Mardi Gras 2011! (Photo Credit: kreweofpygmalion.org)
In New Orleans, first comes the winter season, then one of our most important seasons: parade season. Mardi Gras is so great to us that it was only right it had its own season before spring. It’s that time of year where it could be cold, rainy, or hot, but the parades never stop.
Parade season is when you pull out your walking shoes and enjoy some of the amazing floats and Mardi Gras throws New Orleans has to offer. It’s also a great time to explore other parts of the city as you wait for or leave parades. This is the perfect moment to make New Orleans your own personal adventure starting this weekend!
Uncork in the French Quarter
On Friday, February 25th, you can start your warm up for the season with two parades that will help you get energized. In the French Quarter, you can check out the Krewe of Cork, which is dedicated to one of my favorite things in this city, the wine industry. Expect some cool wine inspired throws! While waiting for the next parade to start, swing by Sylvain and try Champagne and Fries, one of their specials that consists of some yummy hand cut fries with Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, which is surely the proper way to celebrate the Krewe of Cork.
After relaxing with your yummy meal make your way to the Krewe of Oshun named for the Yoruba goddess of love and intimacy. This year’s Grand Marshal is none other than the fabulous singer Charmaine Neville. Let’s hope she sings “Second Line” as she passes you on her float. You can expect to see 16 floats including one I’m particularly interested in seeing called the “Carol Burnett.” With the Krewe of Oshun make sure to go for the krewe cups! You can end your evening at my favorite chef John Besh’s restaurant Luke. Get yourself a pressed sandwich of whole roast cochon de lait and a St. Charles Streetcar made of St. Germaine, pear vodka and champagne – the perfect way to end the evening!
Food, Parades, More Food
Get Saturday started off with lunch at Grand Isle Restaurant, you can’t go wrong with the Award-winning Alligator Sausage Po-Boy. The yummy food at Grand Isle will get you pumped and ready to take on the Krewe of Pontchartrain. Named after Lake Pontchartrain, you don’t want to miss a parade with the largest crawfish called “Mr. Mudbug,” just try not to eat him.
Check out the art of Ida Kohlmeye at the Arthur Roger Gallery. (Photo Credit: arthurrogergallery.com)
As you wait for your next parade to begin stroll over to Capdeville and try the Truffled Mac and Cheese. You just can’t go wrong with anything that includes parmesan, sage and pancetta. You can also find a cool collection of signature drinks at Capdeville, my favorite drink Persephone’s Fall was born at this location.
Once your belly is filled walk it off a little and visit the Arthur Roger Gallery and check out some of the work of IDA Kohlmeyer on its last day of exhibition. After exploring a little art, get your hands ready to catch throws with back to back parades from the Krewe of Sparta and Krewe of Pygmalion. Catch yourself a few doubloons at the Krewe of Pygmalion and the signature medallion of the Krewe of Sparta. Try to refrain from yelling out as if you are King Leondias. “This is Sparta! ”
Dragons and Dogs
End your weekend on Sunday with three fun parades that will have you smiling for the rest of the week! The Krewe of Carrollton, the fourth oldest krewe, will start the day off, followed by the Krewe of King Arthur. Don’t get scared if you see a dragon or two at this parade based on a medieval theme. End your parading weekend with the Krewe of Barkus for all you dog lovers. You may leave with a new chew toy for man’s best friend.
After all the parades, you probably worked up an appetite, and the best way to solve this problem is with pizza, at least in my opinion. Take a visit to Desperados Pizza in the Marigny and try out their yummy pizza and starters. You can’t go wrong with their Fried Green Tomatoes or The Cajun Pizza.
Prepare yourself for the rest of parade season! It’s a tough job to have this much fun, but someone MUST do it!
Check out the parade schedule!
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