Cajun food is soul food. There’s nothing better than chowing down on a bowl of gumbo or crawfish etouffee that makes your insides feel warm and gooey – which is exactly how I spent Mardi Gras in New Orleans last year. I ate fried oyster po’ boys and laughed at all the drunk people. I scarfed down beignets at 2 am sitting next to a table of old grandmas wearing inappropriate clothing for their age. And mine, for that matter. Since you can’t get the whole Mardi Gras experience here in Dallas (and let’s face it, who doesn’t like watching debauchery sometimes?), here’s where you should go to get a taste:
Jump for some Cajun cravings
King Cakes– That’s the Cake Bakery is selling King cakes in two flavors: cheesecake and cinnamon. They’re $14 each, 12 inches round, and you should order them three days before you need to pick up. They’ll also make special cupcakes with Mardi Gras colors if you request.
2540 King Arthur Blvd., Ste. 111
Lewisville, TX 75056 Get Directions »
214-402-7355 (phone)
http://www.thatsthecake.com/
Mardi Gras Pies– Emporium Pie Pop Up Shop has a top-secret Mardi Gras special at their test location this weekend. Young piemakers Megan Wilkes and Mary Guantt will also be offering the “Drunken Nut” (bourbon pecan with shortbread crust) and the “Smooth Operator” (French silk chocolate in a crispy pretzel crust). Our lucky contributor, Daniel Walker, is visiting on Saturday, and should be back with a full report.
314 N. Bishop Ave.Dallas, TX 75208
February 18, 20129 am-2 pm
February 19, 20122 pm-7 pm
Gumbo Party– KNON 89.3 FM radio is hosting its 12th Annual Mardi Gras Gumbo Party at Poor David’s Pub this Sunday from 5 to 10 pm. The Alligator Cafe, Offshores Nextdoor, Louisiana Red, Crawdads of Dallas, and Fish City Grill will be vying for the “Best Gumbo of Dallas” title. Gumbo tasting lasts from 5 to 7 pm.
Sunday, February 19
Poor David’s Pub
1313 South Lamar Street , Dallas, TX
5 – 10 pm
$15 – $20
Crawfish Boil– There’s a pre-parade crawfish boil with a side of jambalaya at the Mardi Gras Oak Cliff celebration. Click here for more details.
February 19, 2012 2 pm
Bishops Arts District
Fat Tuesday– Fish City Grill is doing a Fat Tuesday celebration at all locations on Tuesday, February 21st. Get your beads, New Orleans BBQ, crawfish, and shrimp fix inside a festive atmosphere. Plenty of local musicians should be there to jazz up the sound.
If you know some top-secret Mardi Gras food celebrations, write them below in the comments.
