Why go to New Orleans, when the festivities of Bourbon Street are being celebrated right around DC?
By Danielle Rita
Carnival at Ultrabar
Carnival
Location: Ultra Bar
Address: 911 F Street Washington DC
Time & Date: Feb 17 & 24 9 to 3 AM
WL: Perfect for all you dedicated party animals! Dance the night away at Ultra Bar. Each of the four floors features a different style of music to satisfy every guest’s musical need. Beads, Masks, and Samba Dancers included!
Details: Ladies are 18 +: Gentleman 21+. Early bird catches the worm! There is open bar on the main floor from 9-10 pm, and Chroma’s happy hour is half off all drinks from 10- 12 pm. Free jello shots all night for ladies! If the specialty drink menu doesnt’t quench your thirst consider buying a bottle: $150 Bacardi Rum, $175 Belvedere, $250 for Belvedere and Moet White Star.
Mardi Gras Madness
Location: Acadiana Restaurant
Address: 901 New York Ave NW, Washington D.C.
Time & Date: Feb 20 & 21 3:30 PM- close
WL: Bite into Mardi Gras 2012 with a real taste of Louisiana’s home-style cooking, featuring former New Orleans Chef Jeff Tunks.
Details: The dining room is offering a $45 four course prix fixe feast from 5:30 to 10:30 PM including crawfish jambalaya, rabbit etoufee, and more. If your stomach still isn’t satisfied, The New Orleans Street Bar fare will be offering Louisiana style appetizers all night, including Basket of House Made- Craklin. Don’t worry, there is an array of $5 specialty cocktails, and $4 12 oz. beers.
Arcadiana's Crawfish Bowl
Fat Saturday
Location: Eden
Address: 1716 I St. NW Washington D.C.
Time & Date: Feb. 18 9 PM – 3 AM
WL: You’ll forget your in DC! Eden transforms all three floors into a true New Orleans experience featuring a Mardi Gras fun room. Ouuu la la! Disguise your true identity with a traditional masquerade mask, and impress guests with your very best beads to win a trip to the Carribean!
Details: The New Orleans Dixie Jazz Band will host an opening performance from 9-10:30 PM. Eden is serving signature drinks until 11 PM including $5 hurricanes. WARNING: life vests not included! Buy your $10 ticket here.
Bacardi Gras
Location: Federal House
Address: 22 Market Space, Annapolis MD
Time & Date: Feb 21 5 PM-close
WL: Cheap Food, Cheap Drinks, & Music? Your wish is granted! Miller Lite and Bacardi host their third annual Barcadi Gras bash featuring authentic New Orleans food, and you guested it: specialty Bacardi drinks!
Details: There will be a live music by The Dreamscapes Project, and a DJ on the spin table all night. Beads and giveaways included! Appetizers start at $5, but save room for the hot wings eating contest! Click here to view the flyer.
Federal House Photo Courtesy of http://goo.gl/9Zhnj
Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!
Location: Central Michel Richard Restaurant
Address: 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington DC
Time & Date: February 21 5- 10:30 PM
WL: Get a little French on Fat Tuesday! Central Michel Richard’s lets the good times roll with its 5’th annual Mardi Gras Party. The award winning restaurant features New Orlean’s most beloved cocktails for the entire month of February, along with an additional specialty Mardi Gras Menu.
Details: Dixieland Jazz Courtet Laissez Foure will be performing from 7-10 PM. No admission fee necessary! Reservations are encouraged. Specialty cocktails include ansinthe suisesse, cyclones, and of course hurricanes. To learn more about Michael, click here.
Chef Michel Richard Photo credit Tony Powell
Lundi Gras
Location: Bayous Bakery, Coffee, & Eatery
Address: 1515 N Courthouse Road Arlington, VA
Time & Date: Feb 20 7- 11PM
WL: The Eatery team hosts a dance and dinner party to kick off the Fat Tuesday festivities. Chat with the team on New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions. Cups and Beads are yours to take home!
Details: Dinner includes a 4 courses of Parade-Route Fare; $45 discount for dames members, and $55 for non-members. Laissez Foure is performing live jazz music. Costumes are optional, but guests are required to bring their Bourbon Street attitude. Click here to learn more!
