The List: Five Dishes to Celebrate Mardi Gras in South Florida
Categories: The List
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| Photo by Misha Grosvenor |
| "It's hand-grenade time!" |
All of these references may conjure fond memories (or give you one more reason to get on your knees), resulting in your hopping on the next thing smoking to the Big Easy. But in the event that you can't make it to N'awlins this year, we've got you covered. Check out these classic New Orleans dishes for Mardi Gras or any time you get a hankering for the Crescent City. Bring your appetite, and don't forget your light-up pimp goblet!
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| Photo: Courtesy of Abita Brewing |
If you're looking to drink but not to the point of blacking out (again), try knocking back a few Abita brews. Abita beer is the official beer of the Big Easy. The Abita Brewing Co., located in Abita Springs, Louisiana, brews favorites such as Purple Haze, Turbo Dog, and Fall Fest. It also produces harvest beers such as strawberry, pecan, and Satsuma (think refreshing citrus) according to the season. Abita strawberry beer is in stores now for a limited time.
Get Your Fix!
To celebrate Mardi Gras, World of Beer in Coconut Creek is offering a special on Louisiana-brewed Abita Beer as well as special party giveaways.
The Promenade at Coconut Creek
4437 Lyons Road, Ste. E-101
954-984-0300
2. Gumbo
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| photo by: Misha Grosvenor |
Get Your Fix!
Pop into Chez Porky's in Pompano Beach. This Cajun crowd pleaser is home to one of the finest chicken gumbos this side of the bayou. In addition to gumbo, Chez Porky's also dishes out other Louisiana classics like red beans and rice and fried okra.
105 SW Sixth St., Pompano Beach
954-946-5590
3. The Muffaletta
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| Flickr/C.Elle |
The muffaletta (pronounced muff-a-lott-uh or moof-a-letta) is the mother of all Italian sandwiches, featuring items such as ham, salami, cappicola, Provolone or Swiss, and olive salad that is served on soft, muffaletta bread (think soft ciabatta bread). The olive salad mixture varies from restaurant to restaurant and can make or break the sandwich. This is definitely a dish to share with your half-naked, bead-clad friends -- one muffaletta, also affectionately called a "muff" (insert joke here), is large enough to share with at least two or three people. We guarantee you'll love it!
Get your Fix!
The Muffaletta Sicilian Sub House in Coconut Creek has "Lupo's Original," which is like a traditional New Orleans muffaletta. Its version has ham, salami, mortadella, Provolone, and, of course, olive salad. A lagniappe (that's Cajun for bonus) for you -- Muffaletta delivers food to World of Beer, so you can double down and enjoy two New Orleans classics in one night. You're welcome!
4437 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek
954-633-2278
4. The Poor Boy
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| Photo: Misha Grosvenor |
Get Your Fix!
Rosey Baby Crawfish and Cajun House in Lauderhill has an expansive assortment of poor boys -- shrimp, oyster, catfish, crawfish. The restaurant also serves a variety of Cajun delights like sautéed alligator, jambalaya, and Cajun boiled blue crab. On Tuesdays, fat or otherwise, the bar has $4 Smirnoff specials. Bon appetit!
4587 N.University Drive, Lauderhill
954-749- 5627
5. King Cake
Warning! Do not try king cake unless you have dental insurance and/or someone in your posse who can perform the Heimlich maneuver!
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| Photo:Flickr/mainc6 |
| Eat at your own risk! |
Get Your Fix!
King Cake Headquarters in New Orleans ships king cakes all over the United States. They have more than 20 cake fillings to choose from, including cookies and cream, blueberry cream cheese, and coconut. Their cakes are decorated either traditionally (see photo above), or they also have specialty designs like the popular "Who Dat" King Cake, which is black and gold (New Orleans Saints' colors) and includes a masquerade mask. On Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, the bakery offers two-day shipping.
Visit kingcakeheadquarters.com.
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