10 Ways To Get A Taste Of Mardi Gras
It’s easy to experience the flavors of the Big Easy right here in Morris and Essex counties.
It may be too late to plan a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras (it’s Feb. 17), but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the revelry. OK, so you won’t be attending any French Quarter parades and masquerades, but let’s be real: The best part of N’awlins fun is the food. Fat Tuesday festivities revolve around eating, as the day is meant to indulge before the season of Lent. And you don’t have to be a foodie to know that there are plenty of Mardi Gras-inspired options here in our counties.
Whether you’re going out for a party or taking out food for a feast at home, here are a few NOLA-inspired bites and where to find them.
For jambalaya: Papillon 25 in South Orange is a popular spot for cocktails, but its jambalaya is a must try. In Morris County, a trip to Chef Fredy’s Table in Morristown is mandatory for jambalaya and NOLA-style dishes.
*Papillon 25, 25 Valley St., South Orange, 973.761.5299; 78 Speedwell Ave., Morristown, 973.538.3330
For gumbo: Saveur Creole in Montclair is known for its fine dining atmosphere, and the seafood gumbo adds to the experience. Black River Barn in Randolph (known as “The Barn”) has a varied menu, and it does each dish well—including its gumbo.
*Saveur Creole, 131 Grove St., Montclair, 973.744.3506; Black River Barn, 1178 Rte. 10, Randolph, 973.598.9988
For po-boys: Chain Cap’t Loui in Montclair has plenty of seafood options, and the po-boys are always filled with a fresh catch. The same is true at Parkside Tavern Morristown, where you also can find Southern classics like gumbo and crab cakes.
*Cap’t Loui, 10 Park St., Montclair, 973.337.5227; Parkside Tavern, 9 Speedwell Ave., Morristown, 973.425.5590
For beignets: PJ’s Coffee in Fairfield brews a great cup of java, which pairs nicely with an order of hot and pillow beignets. If you’re in Morris County, try Beignets in Denville, which as its name suggests, specializes in the delectable French donuts. Get them with either powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar on top.
*PJ’s Coffee, 437 Rte. 46, Fairfield, 862.210.8083; Beignets, 45 Broadway, Denville, 862.209.1700
How are you celebrating Mardi Gras? Share your favorite photos with us @morrisandessexmag.
