It’s carnival season in the Big Easy! Named the #1 place to visit by The New York Times, New Orleans is a destination unlike any other with a cuisine as unique as the culture. In the spirit of Mardi Gras (Tuesday, February 25th, 2020), below are recipes for festive dishes and cocktails for an at-home Carnival celebration.
Toups Meatery: James Beard Finalist and award-winning author Isaac Toups’ New Orleans restaurant is known for its rustic Cajun cookery and creative craft cocktails from Beverage Director Bryson Downham. Named for the parade that rolls early on Fat Tuesday, Downham’s Zulu cocktail is certain to keep the party going all night long with a boozy concoction of chili tequila, Averna, amaretto, coconut milk, Demerara and Coco Porter.
Location: 845 N. Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119
Website: http://toupsmeatery.com/
Copper Vine: In the festive frenzy of Mardi Gras, New Orleans’ hotspot Copper Vine divulges a decadent recipe for King Cake Bread Pudding — cinnamon, brandy, and topped with decadent Creole cream cheese ice cream sprinkled with Mardi Gras colored sugar. Imbibe with a Mardi Gras Sangria that features New Orleans Cajun Spiced Rum, Pinot Grigio, simple syrup, and lime.
Location: 1001 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Website: https://www.coppervinewine.com/
Jewel of the South: Cocktails are the name of the game at Jewel of the South, the culinary and cocktail gem co-owned by renowned bartender, Chris Hannah — who led Arnaud’s French 75 to a James Beard Award — and partner, Nick Detrich (formerly of drinking den Cane & Table). Jewel of the South invites you to grab your very own Ticket to Mardi Gras — a drink as wild as its namesake featuring Hibiscus Infused Vodka, lime, and Fevertree Ginger Beer. There’s also the Lord of Misrule, which promises to be a mischievous marriage of Cocchi Rosa, Aperol Honey, lime juice, and Comte de Lafayette with two sinfully marinated grapes dropped into the mix. Their final Mardi Gras cocktail, Carnival Time, is a real party starter of Herbsaint, lemon, Orgeat, and lemon bitters that honors Al Johnson’s classic anthem bearing the same name.
Location: 1026 Saint Louis Street, LA 70112
Website: www.jewelnola.com
Jack Rose: Named #1 “Best Hotel Restaurant 2019” by USA TODAY 10Best, Jack Rose by QED Hospitality brings an eclectic and exciting dining experience to New Orleans’ Garden District. The bustling restaurant serves up a large format Disco Punch, which serves 6 to 12 people and features Mount Gay Rum, Bigallet China-China Liqueur, Suze Liqueur, Falernum, and lime juice that’s topped with Prosecco.
Location: 2031 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: www.jackroserestaurant.com
