Mardi Gras Happenings at Top NOLA Destinations

Various seasonally festive happenings around town...
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MARDI GRAS BBQ MONDAY:  MISTER MAO TO HOST GUEST CHEF HUNTER EVANS 
In celebration of Carnival season,  Mister Mao will host a very special Mardi Gras BBQ Monday. The evening will showcase the talent of guest Chef Hunter Evans, a James Beard semifinalist and Chef/Owner of Elvie’s -  the Jackson, Mississippi restaurant dedicated to supporting Southern farmers and foodways. Mardi Gras BBQ Monday with Elvie’s will take place on Monday, February 5th, from 5PM - 9PM. Reservations can be made on Resy or by calling (504) 345-2056. Mister Mao is located at 4501 Tchoupitoulas Street in New Orleans. www.mistermaonola.com    
 
THE BOWER BAR 
Just in time for Mardi Gras, The Bower Bar is unveiling a new caffeinated cocktail menu and Mardi-Gras-inspired cocktails that are certain to kick things up a notch! Available Twelfth Night through Fat Tuesday, cocktails will feature an array of house-made brews, matcha, and more, perfectly balanced with ingredients from The Bower’s partner farm, Sugar Roots. 
 
Sister location Birdy’s Behind the Bower will offer visitors to enjoy the Mardi Gras Martini with Gambino’s king cake rum cream, vanilla vodka, and amaretto to add a little fun to their night. For additional information, please visit The Bower Bar. The restaurant will also host a special Mardi Gras luncheon on Friday, February 9th from 11 AM – 1 PM. Executive Chef Marcus Woodham has curated a delightful three-course menu priced at $54 per person (plus tax and gratuity). 
 
TUJAGUE’S
Indulge in the Mardi Gras spirit at Tujague's, the second-oldest restaurant in the city. Executive Chef Gus Martin has crafted a delectable Mardi Gras-inspired dessert for visitors to savor. End your meal with the luxurious Tres Leches King Cake, topped with whipped cream & Mardi Gras sugar for $12. More info 
 
MISTER MAO OFFERS MARDI GRAS BAO BOARDS FOR CARNIVAL SEASON 
Mister Mao will offer revelers to-go Mardi Gras Bao Boards this carnival season. Priced at $200 (feeds 8 people), guests can indulge in:

• Five Spice fried chicken bites
• Hoisin pork belly
• Vietnamese pork and fish sauce mortadella
• Bao pickles of carrot with daikon radish
• Bao smears of hoisin BBQ with gochujang aioli
• Fresh herbs and crudité
• Steam at-home bao buns

 
From February 4th through February 12th, guests must preorder at least 48 in advance and pick up their orders at 4501 Tchoupitoulas Street. More info 
 
OSTERIA LUPO OFFERS ON-THE-GO FOOD & DRINKS
Located on several of the uptown parade routes, Osteria Lupo will be offering an array of to-go options including Pizze like the Diavola - spicy nduja, jalapeño, and fontina; Quattro Formaggi - mozzarella, gorgonzola, Parmesan and fontina; and the 24-Month Proscuitto di San Danielle with Fior di Latte and basil. Cocktails are also available to-go including signature libations such as the Bandiera Rossa - strawberry, basil, peppercorn and sparkling wine; La Mola - Cimarron Blanco tequila, aperol, grapefruit, lime and Angostura; and the Negroni Bianca - Citadelle gin, Salers Gentiane, Rothman & Winter Apricot, and grapefruit.  More info
 
MARDI GRAS HAPPENINGS AT VIRGIN HOTELS NEW ORLEANS
Revelers can enjoy a slew of  Mardi Gras happenings from January 5 to February 13 at Virgin Hotels New Orleans, 550 Baronne Street. More info
 
PROGRAMMING: 

• Mardi Gras Cocktail Menu at The Pool Club
  • Date and Time: Now through February 13th (Fat Tuesday)
    • Looking for a place to experience the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras this season? The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans invites guests and locals to relish in a festive Mardi Gras-inspired cocktail menu crafted by Lead Bartender Heather Blanchard:
      • Carnival King – Espolon Reposado, Ponche Kuba cream liqueur, praline pecan liqueur, King Cake reduction, and lime. 
      • Hurricane Swizzle – Don Q Cristal, Chinola Passion Fruit, orange, mango, lime, and Tiki bitters.
      • Neutral Ground - Hendricks, St. Germain, Aperol, and lemon.  
  • Lundi Gras Bounce Brunch at Commons Club
    • Date and Time: Monday, February 12, Time: Brunch 9AM-2PM | DJ 11AM-2PM | Drag Performances 11:30AM, 12:30PM and 1PM 
      • Dress in your most festive Mardi Gras attire and enjoy a brunch experience that captures the essence of the carnival season. Let loose with a specialty Mardi Gras cocktail in hand and feel the rhythm of the music of DJ Mikey Offline. Special guest Laveau Contraire, drag-queen extraordinaire, will be setting the vibe with multiple performances that'll make you want to move & groove. Reservations can be made on OpenTable. 

 
Commons Club will also offer a festive King Cake Waffle ($17) with banana-infused waffle, sweet cream cheese, maple syrup, brown sugar crumble, and banana brulee.