Have no doubt, this Mardi Gras will be one for the books, an over-the-top debacle of debauchery. If you live on or close enough to a parade route and you have a functioning bathroom you might as well plan a party: Guests are on the way.
A Big Batch Libation
Emily Walker, sommelier for Copper Vine Winepub as well as Bonfire Events + Catering, recommends pre-batching a signature cocktail for guests to self-serve from a punchbowl that you replenish throughout the day. Her Bacchus Mule punch is bright and invigorating so you can sip on it all day long without regret. “This drink is made using retsina, a Greek white wine infused with pine resin that has been made for over 2,000 years,” Walker says. “Bacchus, the Greek god of wine, would surely approve of imbibing this delightful, refreshing cocktail while enjoying Mardi Gras festivities. As the Greeks toast, ‘Yamas’ or ‘to your health!’”
See “An Extra Bite” on StCharlesAvenue.com for recipe.
Just Throw It in the Pot
A contemporary version of an old school door-to-door vendor, Larry Thompson Jr., aka “Mr. Shrimp,” offers door-to-door service to restaurant chefs, businesses and home cooks, bringing fresh from the dock raw Gulf shrimp, boiled shrimp or changing daily plates around in ice chests loaded into his truck. His own one-step seafood boil seasoning, Throw It in the Pot, makes boiling seafood on a stovetop a cinch. Supremely affable and engaging, Mr. Shrimp brings life to any party and is available to cater your gatherings for you should one-step Throw It in the Pot leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Mr. Shrimp, 504-734-5483, MrShrimp504.com
Make it Festive
Hand painted in Louisiana, this food-safe 22 karat gold trimmed ceramic Carnival chip and dip bowl will add extra sparkle to your Mardi Gras-themed parties. Exclusive to Home Malone. $58
Home Malone, 629 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-324-8352; 4610 Magazine St., 504-766-6148; HomeMaloneNola.com
