I don’t think I’ve mentioned it on the blog before, but a couple years ago, I took a trip to New Orleans. I was actually there for a work conference, but it was one of the most fun work trips I have ever been on. I didn’t get as much time as I would have liked to explore this awesome city, but I made sure to hit a bunch of the highlights.
Of course, I couldn’t travel to the Big Easy with out making a stop at Café Du Monde for some chicory coffee and beignets. They were amazing. I got lucky and scored an empty table without too much waiting, but they also had a “to go” line if they are totally packed. Another landmark eatery that I visited was Mother’s Restaurant, where I waited in the longest line just to get in the door. The crawfish etouffee was worth it, though!
The architecture in the French Quarter is beautiful! I really wanted to sit on one of the endless patios with a cold Hurricane and people watch for hours!
And, of course, I took a stroll down Bourbon Street.
Trust me, it looks a lot different at 10 am than it does at 10 pm!
And even though I was there primarily for work, I made sure to experience the night life that is infamous in New Orleans. I would love to go back some day and really take in all the sights, sounds and flavors they have to offer.
So, why the trip down beignet-and-bourbon memory lane?
Because today is Mardi Gras! Also known as Fat Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday. Last year, I made a King Cake to celebrate (I should probably make it again, and re-take the pictures. Eesh! I guess I have come a long way in my photography!). In essence, this is traditionally a day of feasting before the fast of the church’s Lenten season begins. One last day to live it up!
We’ll be celebrating with a traditional dinner of pancakes and sausage. If you are looking for a great pancake recipe, I suggest my Buttermilk Pancakes. Or if you are feeling particularly indulgent (I mean, we are supposed to live it up, right?) you can make the Red Velvet Pancakes I posted yesterday. And these Chicken Apple Sausage patties would pair great with either!
How are you celebrating Mardi Gras? Pancakes and Sausage? Or are Hurricanes more your style?
