From Mardi Gras to the Chinese New Year, there’s a lot to celebrate (and eat) this week.
Tuesday
“Fat Tuesday” literally means Mardi Gras. From Button’s and Dodie’s Reef to The Free Man Cajun Café & Lounge and Nate’s, here’s where we’ll be eating to make sure our day is full of plenty of calories.
Lake Dallas City Hall kicks off Mardi Gras with a festival and parade. There will be food trucks, vendors, decorated floats and a performance by the N’awlins Gumbo Kings. How much crawfish can you eat in one minute? Cajun Kitchen will host a Crawfish Eating Contest. Join the free festivities at 5 p.m.
If you’re wondering where to get good ‘ol pork beans, Button’s is the place. Other Mardi Gras specials include red fish for $15 and regular menu items are also available.
Stop by Lower Greenville’s Dodie’s Reef to watch the Dallas Stars take on the St. Louis Blues. Wear green and your beads as you enjoy a serving of cajun classics from shrimp creole to their famous po-boys. Buy your friends a round of signature cocktails that consist of Louisiana Stinger made with Jim Beam Honey Tea Bourbon, freshly squeezed lemon juice, mint leaves and muddled apricot preserves.
Known for its year-round cajun flavors, Nate’s Seafood & Steahouse menu features Louisiana boiled crawfish, catfish, po boys – you name it!– so drive down to Addison for live music, drink specials and an all-night Mardi Gras party.
Right next to Breadwinner’s Café, The Quarter Bar kicks off the celebration with a $3 Abitas, Hurricanes and a complimentary Mardi Gras New Orleans-themed buffet. You’ll sip on $3 Abitas and Hurricanes on upstairs on their rooftop patio overlooking downtown Dallas. Bartenders will start pouring in around 4 p.m. and will be going until 2 a.m.
Razzoo’s began its Fat Tuesday last Monday. The restaurant offers discounted raw oysters, boiled crawfish, and rat toes. (Don’t let the name get you – they’re just shrimp and crab filled jalapeños deep-fried.) And the list goes on and one: bacon-wrapped shrimp en brochette, red beans and rice, andouille sausage, and jambalaya pasta. Call (972) 235-3700 for more information on their specials.
Sometimes, it can get overwhelming trying to find a place to eat for those with food allergies during holidays like Mardi Gras. Dream Café, however, will feature live jazz with a dinner menu that includes gluten-free options such as shrimp and grits. Read Nancy’s review here.
Thinking about a throwing your own gumbo party? Save time by learning how to properly chop bell pepper, onion, celery, okra, and sausage at the Basic Knife Skills Class. Joe Chou of Urban Acres Farmstead will demonstrate how to entertain guests at home with ease. For more information, email [email protected]. Tickets are $55.
Wednesday
The wintry mix we’ve been looking for has arrived from New York City all the way to Dallas. Warm up with egg drop soup from Bangkok City. Then, get cozy at Pho Is For Lovers. These hot, classic broths are slow-cooked for up to 12 hours and served with a side of sprouts, basil, jalapeños, and lime. The best part is these delicious options are healthy and less than ten dollars!
Dallas Museum of Art presents Arts & Letters Live featuring New York Times bestselling author and Food Network’s Ina Garten from Barefoot Contessa. If you were lucky enough to snag tickets, you’ll get tips and questions answered about her newest cookbook as she shares her passion for food. The event takes place at McFarlin Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $39.50.
Thursday
Do you know your whiskey? Test your knowledge at a complimentary George Dickel Whiskey Tasting. No tickets are required, just show up anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. George Deckel #12 will be featured, in addition to, $6 whiskey cocktail specials. From an Old Fashioned or a Sazerac to a Vieux Carre or Whiskey Sour – the choice is yours.
Friday
Wolf Gang Puck’s Fifty Sixty celebrates with a special three-course menu for Chinese New Year. Taste sashimi, dumplings, cumin soy marinated sheep-chop, whole roasted pig with tangerine cake and fortune cookies for dessert. As if the view isn’t enough, you’ll experience the night market-style and lion dancers. The cost is $80 per person. Call (214) 741-5560 for reservations.
Saturday
The third day of festivities begin at 11 a.m. at 16th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration by Crow Collection of Art. It’s free to attend with lots of activites to choose from. Decorate red envelopes, make sheep headbands, paper lanterns, get your face painted or learn calligraphy. Food truck lovers can also rejoice – local favorites such as Bombay Chopstix, Vegan Noms, Spin Sushi, Nammi, Ssahm BBQ, Yim Yam, Bobaddiction will be parked on Harwood Street. End the night with a fireworks display at 7:30 p.m. Save time by registering online or call 214-979-6435 for more details.
Sunday
Start your day off with green onion pancakes from the Dumpling House. This Irving hot spot is sure to please with its charm and fresh, local ingredients. Don’t wind up out the look when everyone is talking about their beef noodle soups and tianjin goubuli buns.
Make it an all day Chinese affair, stop by Royal China for their dumpling bar. Read Nancy’s review here.
