Celebrate Mardi Gras, NoVA Style
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Wednesday, February 15th, 2012
Shutterstock/Mike Flippo
Can’t make it to Nawlins on Feb. 21? No worries. We’ve put together the most festive places in NoVA to celebrate like you’re on Bourbon Street.
Parade
Take the party to the streets. One of NoVA’s more well-known Mardi Gras traditions is the annual parade in Clarendon. Starting at 8 p.m. along Wilson Boulevard, it will feature colorful floats, festive dancing and, of course, beads.
Have your (king) cake. For a sweet Mardi Gras treat, order a king cake from Bayou Bakery (1515 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington), where renowned Chef David Guas bakes up the sweet tradition. Find a trinket inside, rule the day.
Wear the right colors. It’s time to break out your purple, green and gold, representing justice, faith and power. For a festive good time, costumes encouraged, check out Okra’s (9110 Center St., Manassas).
Hurricanes!
Toast like the locals do. Since bar owner Pat O’Brien first served rum punch in a glass shaped like a hurricane lamp, there’s one cocktail that’s remained a Mardi Gras must. Enjoy hurricane deals at Whitlow’s (2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington).
Fat Tuesday
Eat your Fat Tuesday fill. Load up on red beans and rice, po’ boys and jambalaya at King Street Blues (locations in Crystal City, Old Town and Kingstowne) where their motto is “Comfort Food with a Southern Accent.”
–Lorin Drinkard
Tags: Bayou Bakery, david guas, King Street Blues, Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA, Pat O’Brien