Mardi Gras 2012: Where to Eat in New Orleans
Michael Gulotta, Chef de Cuisine at August in New Orleans
Restaurant August Chef Michael Gulotta’s recommendations on where to eat in New Orleans
Mardi Gras 2012 is today. Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” marks the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. New Orleans was abuzz over the weekend with festivities and great food – especially king cakes, the famous symbol of Mardis Gras that are supposed to mean there are good times ahead.
Rocker Bret Michaels of Poison and Grammy-winning singer Cyndi Lauper ushered in Mardi Gras with performances early Tuesday morning as part of the Orpheaus parade, founded by New Orleans actor and singer Harry Connick Jr. Fat Tuesday parades began shortly after day break and the music and parties continue through the night.
So where to eat if you’re in New Orleans enjoying the Mardi Gras 2012 and Fat Tuesday celebrations?
King Cake
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New Orleans native Michael Gulotta, Chef de Cuisine at August, John Besh’s renowned flagship restaurant in New Orleans, offered genConnect some great recommendations for anyone in and around the French Quarter and beyond this week – and for visitors to this great city in the future.
“If you are looking for traditional New Orleans, then Bon Ton Cafe, if you are in mid-city for Endymion (parade), you have to go to Parkway for a surf & turf po’boy (roast beef with fried shrimp on top). Luke on Saint Charles Avenue has their own bandstands and you’ll get the best soft-shell crab po’boy and stuffed shrimp in town.”
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“If you are looking for something a little more elegant, you can always come see me at Restaurant August and catch the day parades through the massive 18th century windows facing Tchoupitoulas Street.”
Sampling of po-boys
Gulotta was studying his craft abroad when Hurricane Katrina hit. After that tragedy, he returned home, running food to St. Bernard in the mornings and working the August line at night. In 2007, he was promoted to Chef de Cuisine where he remains today.
“There was definitely a boom in restaurants in the city following the storm and there is even more variety than ever before, especially when it comes to the influences from other cultures that have been integrated into the food here,” Gulotta says. “But I still want a po-boy and some grillades and grits.”
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Harry Connick Jr isn't a 'native' of New Orleans. He's a native of Weston, Connecticut, where he attended public school from 1970-1982. His picture is in all the yearbooks for those years. Learn more Google: Harry Connick Jr I Smell Poop
That King Cake looks like from a animation movie. Looks very tasty!