Taste Classic Cajun/Creole Cooking and Follow the Party for Mardi Gras

LongIsland.com

Put your diet to the side and dive in to the rich, tasty Southern foods that make Mardi Gras so unique!

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A man wears a traditional Mardi Gras mask and beads for the raucous holiday.

Photo by: Jase Man, via Wikimedia

Tuesday, February 9th, is Mardi Gras, which means it is time to plan where you will eat well and party late for Fat Tuesday.  Though predominantly known for the traditional brightly colored masks and beads, with a focus on the colors purple, gold, and green, Mardi Gras is a precursor to Lent when people are meant to indulge in rich, fatty foods before having to give anything up for Lent. Today, Mardi Gras is a huge party holiday, and though the main celebration is held in New Orleans each year, even Long Island takes part in the festivities and recipe traditions, such as eating the King Cake and snacking on crab dishes.

This February, an array of restaurants are offering their spin on Cajun and Creole cooking to get in on the big party that is Mardi Gras.  As an added bonus, you can also see live music performed at many of these eateries!  Let the big band and jazz music transport you to New Orleans without having to leave the dining table!

2016 Mardi Gras Madness at Storyville
43 Green Street, Huntington, NY 11743
631-351-3446
Friday, January 29th through Sunday, February 7th
$30.95 per person

Storyville American Table specializes in Cajunand Creole cooking, and they will be celebrating Mardi Gras with 11 days of fine dining from a prix fixe menu, with specials like Sidney Bechet's Cold Seafood Cocktail or Red Snapper Nantua.

Mardi Gras Mask Craft at West Islip Public Library
3 Higbie Lane, West Islip, NY 11795
631-661-7080
Wednesday, February 3rd, 7:00 PM
$5 per person

Meet local artist Kathy Cunningham, and learn from her how to create masks in the style of those worn in Venice and festivities in Carnivale.  West Islip residents only.

The Bayou’s 30th Annual Mardi Gras Party
2823 Jerusalem Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710
516-785-9263
Thursday, February 4th through Tuesday, February 9th
Follow link or pricing

The Bayou is one of the top destinations for Mardi Gras parties on Long Island, and will host all-you-can-eat crawfish on February 4th, Happy Hour from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on February 5th, Oyster Fest on February 6th, and a general party on February 9th.  Enjoy live music every night!


2016 Mardi Gras Celebration at The Southside Hotel
5 3rd Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706
631-665-9596
Friday, February 5th through Tuesday, February 9th
Follow link for pricing

Taste classic Creole dishes and traditional, handcrafted New Orleans-style cocktails!

2016 Mardi Gras Party at Jewel Restaurant
400 Broadhollow Road, Melville, NY 11747
631-755-5777
Tuesday, February 9th, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
$55 per person

Have a memorable Mardi Gras party, complete with Cajun drink specials, live music, beads, and masks, as well as a diverse selection of delectable foods!

Mardi Gras 2016: Cooking with Jo-ann Tiranno at South Country Library - FREE!
22 Station Road, Bellport, NY 11713
631-286-0818
Tuesday, February 9th, 7:00 PM
Free event

Jo-ann Tiranno from The Passionate Palate will teach you how to make a roux, a classic gumbo, and delicious beignets!

6th Annual Mardi Gras Celebration at Grasso’s
134 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
631-367-6060
Tuesday, February 9th, 7:00 PM
Follow link for pricing

It's a special night at Grasso's, with live music from Gail Storm and Company and a unique menu from Chef Tony.

Chef Charlie: Cajun/Creole Mardi Gras Dishes at North Shore Public Library
250 Route 25A, Shoreham, NY 11786
631-929-4488
Wednesday, February 10th, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$3 per person

Chef Charlie will demonstrate how to make authentic Cajun/Creole Mardi Gras favorites like Etoufee!