Event Review: Mardi Gras 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana
On the heels of the first Super Bowl Victory of the New Orleans Saints, Mardi Gras 2010 was a carnival to remember. Parade Beads hung on the edges of balconies, breasts and trees. The streets of the historic French Quarter were filled with subscribers to the idea of enjoying life. Not many worries crossed the minds of these Citizens and Tourists of New Orleans, LA. The only worries one had was “When is the next parade?” and “What do I drink next?” With an abundance of parades and floats, and with an endless amount of alcohol, these questions offer many answers.
Drinking in the French Quarter of New Orleans is unlike anything you will ever embark on. Drinking in the French Quarter of New Orleans during Mardi Gras is another world. The bars never seem to close. If they do close, the party carries over into the crowded streets. For those of you that are of the legal drinking age of 21, there is a vast amount of alcohol at your disposal during a Mardi Gras celebration. From “Big Ass Beers” to the famous “Hand Grenade” of Tropical Isle and the colorful Hurricanes of Pat O’Brien’s, you will never have the excuse that they didn’t have anything you like. Heck, they even have Jello Shots! Beer enthusiast will find many bars that cater to your love of ales & lagers. Although when in New Orleans, I encourage you to drink local and find yourself some of the fine brews of the Abita Brewing Company. My recommendation: Abita Amber. Abita Amber has just enough flavor to satisfy your taste buds and smooth enough to encourage heavy drinking.
Of course drinking is not the only vice available in the French Quarter. Any vice you may have is available on the legendary Bourbon Street: food, souvenirs, dancing, sex, smoking and Jesus (at many of the intersections of Bourbon Street you will find “Jesus Corners” consisting of Christians and Religious Folk urging all the “sinners” of Mardi Gras to repent). Of course, some of the vices call on you to be of a certain age, but young or old, you will find something to entertain you in the French Quarter.
A helpful tip to cure a hangover: beignets and café au lait from Cafe Due Monde. The acclaimed beignets of Cafe Due Monde are available 24 hours and are the perfect way to lift your spirits.
