Mardi Gras 2009

Mardi Gras is music, parades, picnics, floats, excitement ... and one big holiday in New Orleans! Everyone is wearing purple, green, and gold; and adorned with long beads caught from the beautiful floats. They sit on the ground throwing balls, playing music, having a picnic, and watching the crowds walk by between parades.

Not all of us are able to make the trip to New Orleans but that doesn't mean we still can't celebrate! Here are some traditions for you to share with family and friends tomorrow...

1) The baking of a special cake in honor of the three kings called "A King's Cake." Inside every cake is a tiny baby (generally plastic now, but sometimes this baby might be made of porcelain or even gold). The tradition of having King Cake Parties has evolved through time, and the person who receives the slice of cake with the baby is asked to continue the festivities by hosting the next King Cake party. If you aren't a baker and would prefer to purchase A King Cake call upon Alliance Bakery & Cafe (773-278-0366, located in the Bucktown neighborhood http://www.alliance-bakery.com/)

2)Symbolism of Colors gave meaning to the colors: purple represents justice; green, faith; and gold, power. Head to any local party store to grab streamers, beaded necklaces, eye masks and whatever fun party favors to hand out to your guests. My favorite party store is Doolin's (1-800-350-4870, http://www.doolins.com)

3) The drink known to most tourists in New Orleans is the hurricane. During celebrations (and celebrations seem to be every night in the New Orleans French quarter), tourists carry their "to go" hurricane drinks with them. In New Orleans, you can carry your drink out of a bar and down the street, even into another bar. Hurricanes are also the cocktail of choice during Mardi Gras, when thousands come to see the parade and party. For a recipe to make a home click on the following link http://www.drinksmixer.com/cat/364

If you prefer someone else to do all the planning check out the following bars that are hosting their own Mardi Gras parties that you are invited too!

The Fifty/50 - 2047 W. Division St. - East Village / Ukrainian Village
February 24 : 7 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Specials include half-price appetizers, $6 Dragon Bleu martinis, $5 Dragon Bleu vodka cocktails, $4 ice luge shots and $4 Stella drafts.

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club - 3700 N. Halsted St. - Boystown
February 24 : 5:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.
A Fat Tuesday masquerade ball features half-price martinis, $5.50 Cruzan Rum cocktails, a New Orleans-style menu and performances by Kit Kat Diva Traci Ross.

Midtown Kitchen + Bar - 203 N. LaSalle St. - Chicago
February 24 : 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
A Fat Tuesday benefit for homeless women features appetizers, wine, hurricane cocktails, soda and DJ sets. Raffle prizes and silent auction items include two round-trip airline tickets, spa services, wine tastings and more.

Blue Bayou - 3734 N. Southport Ave. - Lakeview
February 26 : 10 p.m.
Red Hot Annie hosts a Mardi Gras party featuring sexy dance performances atop the bar, plus Cajun food and drink specials.

Timothy O'Toole's - 622 N. Fairbanks Ct. - Gold Coast
February 24 : 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Get beads and other giveaways while grazing on a complimentary Mardi Gras buffet of gumbo, etouffee, po' boy sandwiches, cornbread, fried okra and hush puppies.

Harry Caray's Tavern Wrigleyville - 3551 N. Sheffield Ave. - Wrigleyville
February 24 : 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
A special package includes hurricanes and domestic drafts and a Cajun buffet of dishes such as blackened chicken jambalaya, gumbo and cornmeal-crusted catfish.