Get out your blue boa and a festive mask to celebrate Joie de Vivre (Joy of Life) on Fat Tuesday. Check out how we kicked off the season with Mardi Gras in Arizona.
Mardi Gras Parade
The evening started with a Super Krewe Parade. The parade consisted of a custom Mardi Gras Float with a fabulous joker tossing out colorful beads. Behind the float was an authentic Jazz band playing joyful music. We joined the crowd, who followed behind singing and catching beads as we headed to the Bistro where we would indulge in our very own Fat Tuesday. Note: The crowd did not have to earn the beads the traditional way.
New Orleans Brass Jazz Band
Once the parade of people arrived at the dining venue we witnessed the walking jazz band join a stage with drums and additional singers. We whisked away to the sounds of New Orleans as we participated in the evening festivities.
Taste of New Orleans
A spectacular buffet featuring the Taste of New Orleans awaited us. Everyone indulged in all the culinary pleasures on Fat Tuesday. Such as:
- Crescent City Baby Mixed Greens carrots, cucumber, cherry tomato, goat cheese, sherry vinaigrette
- Brennan’s Creole Green Beans caramelized onion roasted red peppers with applewood smoked bacon
- Antoine’ s Chicken Thigh and Andouille Jambalaya crushed tomato, tri-colored peppers, fresh herbs
- Emeril Lagasse BAM Dirty Rice short rib, pork shoulder, green onions
- Commanders Palace Gumbo shrimp, andouille sausage, chicken, okra, peppers, and scallions
- Central Grocery Muffulettas olive tapenade, salami, capicola, mortadella, provolone, ciabatta
- K – Pauls Cajun Shrimp Boil creole sausage, corn on the cob, red bliss potato
King Cake and More
The evening continued with the traditional King Cake with every piece having a baby in it.
In addition, there was Bananas Fosters, Café Du Monde Beignets honey and powdered sugar and Strawberry Cheesecake.
Palm Reading and Tarot Cards
We almost missed the palm readers and tarot card readers. One of the event coordinators came around to the dining tables and let everyone know the location of the readers. I finished up my meal and headed over to have my palm read. It was fun, as I have not had a reading before.
Mardi Gras – Fat Tuesday Celebration Arizona Style
Have you been to New Orleans or Mardi Gras event before? If yes, did you have the King Cake?
The Taste of New Orleans looks delicious!
It was!
So fun! I’ve never been to New Orleans but it’s on my list – I think a long weekend there would be a ton of fun.
That would be a good idea.
It looks like I need to head to New Orleans next year. Your article makes it look SO fun!
It was fun. The band and parade were fantastic.
What a nice shindig! Looks like you had a blast!
We sure did!
HOW MUCH FUN IS THIS!?!? I wish we had something like this around us. very cooL!!
It was great to have it local. No long flights to New Orleans.
Who needs the crowded New Orleans? Looks like a fun night!!
I agree, no crowds needed, though there was a lot of people there.
Mardi Gras in Arizona? Cool! The Mexican influenced food rather than Creole in New Orleans looks yummy too
The food was delicious.
How fun! I can’t wait to experience Mardi Gras someday.
You will love it.
Looks like everyone had a wonderful time. Parties are AWSOME!
Yes, Parties are awesome. 🙂
The real question is: Was the palm reading accurate?
🙂 Great question. The Palm Reading was accurate and she gave some advice to follow. 🙂
This looks like so much fun! You are really making me want to visit Arizona!
When you come to Arizona, you will have a wonderful time.
How cool, this sounds like so much fun!! Would love to have something like this local! Is this new for AZ, or something that’s been celebrated for years?
This was the first parade for San Tan Valley, Arizona.