Short Thoughts on Mardi Gras
by Poseur on Feb 21, 2012 7:32 AM CST
in Events
Email
PrintUnlike my colleagues here at ATVS, I do not live in Louisiana. I did not grow up in Louisiana, though both of my parents did. I attended LSU, but I have not lived in the state of Louisiana since 1997. I have many friends who do, and I am only one state over, but I am not in the most unique, wondrous state in the union.
It is on Mardi Gras I feel this most acutely.
My facebook feed is currently a flurry of parade photos and king cake recipes. It is bad French and good food, all celebrating a holiday that barely even exists outside of southern Louisiana. This is not a day in which we celebrate the last day before Lent, it is a day in which we celebrate our connection to Louisiana.
Most of our readers are fortunate enough to have a much stronger bond than I do. Some of you are nursing your Lundi Gras hangover right now, or at least rubbing you sore feet and hoarse throat. But it is still a bond I feel, one that I am so lucky to have. Louisiana gets inside of you, and once it is a part of you, that part never lets go. It is often the best part of you.
It is crawfish and beer, café au lait and beignet, or just good wine and even better friends. Today is a celebration of all that makes us unique and really, not so unique at all. Sure, Alabama might be jealous of how great Mardi Gras is (I'm looking at you Mobile), but there's room for everybody at this party. There's no bouncer at the gate, preventing any of us from enjoying life to the fullest.
And that's what Mardi Gras is about to me. It's the day of the year Louisiana most pulls at my heart strings. I look around Dallas, and it is a normal day. We all went to work, just like we did the day before and will do the day after. Yet one state over, you can hear the crazy neighbors partying. Far be it from me to call the cops on them.
I wish it was me. I miss you, Louisiana, save some king cake for me.
45 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
The grocery stores all make King Cakes here in North Alabama...And the ones from Publix aren't half bad.
It’s nice because, like you, I miss LA (home) most this time of year…Between Mardi Gras, and boiled seafood* it’s really tough.
*There are actually parades I could go to here if I wanted to be disappointed. However, there is no place to get boiled seafood unless I’m doing it myself…
Alabama fans, ask yourself this question: Is this who you want representing your University and your fanbase?
"Been saying it for six f**king years now...That g**damn hurricane just wasn’t big enough." - Outsidethesidelines, Manager, RollBamaRoll.com
http://www.rollbamaroll.com/2011/12/3/2607240/sec-championship-game-open-thread#
outsidethesidelines@gmail.com
I'll have a gumbo recipe up later this week that'll curl your toes...
Made it on Saturday because wifey wasn’t goin’ stand out in the cold and wet for Spanishtown…
Writer/Analyst/Head Chef
And the Valley Shook
by Billy Gomila on Feb 21, 2012 10:43 AM CST up reply actions
Women. Imagine that.
"Move over Marino, there's a new Brees coming through town!"-Jim Henderson
by BRSaintsFan on Feb 21, 2012 6:32 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
i gave my nod to mardi gras
in the morning link dump over at SB Nation’s running site, Stride Nation. but, yeah, i’d give just about anything for some fresh boudin today.
SB Nation's The Historical: Because all those games way back when matter.
The Cajun Butcher in Hoover can hook you up
Father. Husband. Lawyer. Nerd.
by Richard Pittman on Feb 21, 2012 10:50 AM CST up reply actions
does he deliver to arizona?
SB Nation's The Historical: Because all those games way back when matter.
Never tried it but have you looked at canungrocer.com?
"Move over Marino, there's a new Brees coming through town!"-Jim Henderson
by BRSaintsFan on Feb 21, 2012 6:34 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
D'OH!
*cajungrocer.com
"Move over Marino, there's a new Brees coming through town!"-Jim Henderson
by BRSaintsFan on Feb 21, 2012 6:35 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
i've used them and sometimes order directly from savoie's
but boudin is costly since it has to be frozen and shipped overnight. and, even then, it ain’t the same as getting a fresh batch.
SB Nation's The Historical: Because all those games way back when matter.
Well said.
I’m a NOLA native and being in the far northlands is killing me today more than usual. At least my parents mailed me my king cake. 14 short hours and all the king cake in the world will be no more.
Go gata!
Try living in Wisconsin!
My mother’s family is from Louisiana, and I miss that Creole Gumbo. Surprisingly, they do see King Cakes up here, but as for the taste…….
One thing I always wondered, how many of you guys speak or had spoken french, or some variation of? I grew up speaking french myself (though my grandparents were actually french —-they immigrated to Louisiana).
"I spent 90 percent of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted!"
in DC they have king cakes...
but they are intent on filling them w/ dried fruits and nuts… why ruin a good thing. I stay away from “cajun” places, b/c even the ones w/ good menus can’t do it right b/c it is too spicy for the locals.
Dallas seafood...
… is irreedemably awful.
There’s a few exceptions, but largely, seafood here is terrible. I’ve given up. And if someone suggest Truluck’s, I will punch them in the face.
Fake Pundit. Real Fan.
And The Valley Shook!
I self-indulgently tweet @ATVSPoseur
by Poseur on Feb 21, 2012 10:56 AM CST reply actions 3 recs
S&D Oyster Bar
is legit. but i’ve rarely ever eat anything other than oysters when i’ve been in there because they are soooooo good.
SB Nation's The Historical: Because all those games way back when matter.
You are correct
S&D and Nate’s are my only two seafood options. Dodie’s in a pinch also works.
Fake Pundit. Real Fan.
And The Valley Shook!
I self-indulgently tweet @ATVSPoseur
by Poseur on Feb 21, 2012 1:22 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
I went to some Taco place near where we stayed for the Oregon game
That had some seafood options that were pretty good, so long as you like fish and/or shrimp tacos. I want to say it was the fuzzy taco or the pink taco or something.
Writer/Analyst/Head Chef
And the Valley Shook
by Billy Gomila on Feb 21, 2012 1:32 PM CST up reply actions
Dodie's > Nates
Nate’s does the boil the crawfish in hot water then sprinkle it with cayenne after – maybe its just being from the southern part of the state, but that is not boiling crawfish to me. And it tastes terrible. And I know buddies from North LA (East Texas) that swear by it, but its a lazy approach.
Once I had the boiled crawfish at Nate’s I was out – great atmosphere though and their build out is cool.
But generally I agree with you – I just don’t get seafood in the Big D. Being disappointed is just not worth it. Sushi sure, but everything else unless doing myself…just say no.
Pappadeaux is still a fave
Time for us to fire up the Krewe of Beefus in tarrant county
by Kellertigerfan on Feb 21, 2012 3:31 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
the only thing i can wholeheartedly recommend about pappadeaux
is they can get decent oysters. but don’t expect the waitstaff to have any clue on how to mix a decent sauce for it. this is why S&D is so great. you’ll have everything you need for the sauce on the table without having to ask.
and my standards are pretty damn high for gumbo in a restaurant. pappadeaux’s is alright if you’ve gone without for a long time and it’s close by (like when i lived in arlington). but S&D is the only place in north texas i’ve ever found that could compete with the real deal in louisiana.
i’m not familiar with nate’s. but i’d have to agree with dallaslsu’s objection to the post boiling spicing procedure.
SB Nation's The Historical: Because all those games way back when matter.
Crawfish
Never had Nate’s crawfish, but their crab-stuffed redfish is my go-to order. Knowledgeable wait staff, great hush puppies, Abita on tap, and quality etouffee.
There’s also one decent crabcake in all off Dallas — Kenny’s Grill.
Fake Pundit. Real Fan.
And The Valley Shook!
I self-indulgently tweet @ATVSPoseur
DO NOT
get crawfish at pappadeaux. You’ve been warned.
It’s another joint that likes to boil in unseasoned water then sprinkle on some Tony’s after it’s out of the pot. I had no clue crawfish tasted so bad without seasoning.
Alabama fans, ask yourself this question: Is this who you want representing your University and your fanbase?
"Been saying it for six f**king years now...That g**damn hurricane just wasn’t big enough." - Outsidethesidelines, Manager, RollBamaRoll.com
http://www.rollbamaroll.com/2011/12/3/2607240/sec-championship-game-open-thread#
outsidethesidelines@gmail.com
I'm glad someone else has experienced this pain
It was so awful I still have nightmares about it – but if Poseur thinks the other dishes are okay I might give Nate’s another try, even though as an East Dallaser that is a long ass way to go (the new Dodie’s is pretty sweet -hit it for Lent lunch today – etouffee was pretty darn good)
Rec'd
I’ve been north of Dallas since about forever. It’s hard to even call it seafood for the most part
Another Dallasite here
This October marks 20 years of not always being able to get back for Carnival Season and spending a “normal” (read: depressing) day in Big D.
I’m going to have to check out these places y’all are mentioning here. At some point, we should have an ATVS Dallas Chapter Meeting at one of them, since it seems like we have numbers for it.
Forever LSU, 'cause that's how we roll.
oh one daaaaay when yoooooou're lookin' back
It’s times like these that I wonder why I didn’t live it up even more at LSU. Did we go to class before March? We’d go back after MLK day, have Mardi Gras soon thereafter and then spring break and Easter a month (well, 40 days) later. Walking across the Parade Grounds on that first spring day after Mardi Gras and we were finally back in class when the humidity was down, the sun was out and the breeze was still cool is one of my favorite unanchored memories from my time in BR.
loved the spring at LSU as well
Walking to class was enjoyable and the girls would start breaking out the shorts.
Tequila Sunrise
At the Boot! These Tulane kids love to party.
The contact that takes place when our defense is on the field is very sincere ~ Les Miles
Dirk Nowitzki's Flamingo Fade away is this generation's Sky Hook
by jharrison2090 on Feb 21, 2012 11:48 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Oh the stories I can tell you about Tulane girls at the Boot
not fit for this place…
Writer/Analyst/Head Chef
And the Valley Shook
by Billy Gomila on Feb 21, 2012 12:51 PM CST up reply actions
when we're deeper into the offseason maybe our boredom can be abated
LSU conquests and despoils of Tulane are always nice
nemo me impune lacessit
Seriously
that place….those debs……..the debauchery…..good times
"Well, it's 1 a.m. Better go home and spend some quality time with the wife and kids" - Homer J. Simpson
by Gov. William J. Le Petomane on Feb 22, 2012 9:37 AM CST up reply actions
Very true
Always a bummer to be outside LA on Mardi Gras. I’m feeling the pain myself. If only there was some beverage I could drink to ease the pain.
A boy has never wept...nor dashed a thousand kim
Kills me to not be in New Orleans around MG season at all the same way
Even though I wouldnt want to live in La again full-time, it tugs on me hard in MG season. I was the only one at work wearing beads today.
Good hustle.
Writer/Analyst/Head Chef
And the Valley Shook
by Billy Gomila on Feb 21, 2012 6:21 PM CST up reply actions
If it wasn't for my job
I’d damn sure be back home in Louisiana. But for anyone in the DFW area, Johnny’s Pizza just opened in Addison. A Sweep the Kitchen sure helps ease the homesickness.
Just sit down, shut up, and cheer. That's your job as a fan.
Wait... what?
Seriously? Where?
And here I was getting all excited about the Raising Cane’s about to open on Belt Line.
Fake Pundit. Real Fan.
And The Valley Shook!
I self-indulgently tweet @ATVSPoseur
It's at Beltline and Midway
In a little strip center. Opened a week and a half ago. Buffet and dine in. Had to get on the manager for not having LSU or Saints stuff up, but lots of Cowboys stuff.
Just sit down, shut up, and cheer. That's your job as a fan.
Sigh...Cane's just isn't the same anymore
I can remember when you could leave a bar, swing by and get a 5-finger box for like $5 even. Now a 4-finger one will run you about 6 or $7.
Writer/Analyst/Head Chef
And the Valley Shook
by Billy Gomila on Feb 22, 2012 8:29 AM CST up reply actions
Best pizza anywhere ever
Been telling people that for 40 years.
No doubt about it ever, ever.
Just sit down, shut up, and cheer. That's your job as a fan.
by carlizle84 on Feb 22, 2012 4:06 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
My wife is a Johnny's snob
But she’s also from West Monroe.
Writer/Analyst/Head Chef
And the Valley Shook
by Billy Gomila on Feb 23, 2012 2:53 PM CST up reply actions
Born and raised in W.M.
Johnny Hunstman was my high school PE teacher before “finding” the receipe for his Pizza caused him to quit teaching and coaching.
*Most of your colleagues
I’m still holding down Chicago, feeling your exact sentiments.
Eye right blahgs.
i feel your pain
here in oklahoma, i told a couple of people “happy mardi gras” yesterday. neither had a clue till i said that. and dont get me started on the food. ok, so get me started… they dont even know what boudin is here, much less have it. luckily, i have a boudin supplier every time i get down there (thanks, pod!) and had a king cake shipped. plus, every trip i make, i feel like some sort of black market runner on the trips back with all the groceries in my truck of things i cant get here. i cleared the shelves of abita root beer last trip. for those that live in god’s country, count your blessings!
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
SEC Baseball Standings
Final Standings
# - SEC Tournament Seeding
Team Name = Eliminated from SEC Tournament
| West | Conf | Overall | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | W | L | |
 |
19 | 11 | 42 | 14 |
|
16 | 14 | 39 | 17 |
| 7 Mississippi St. Bulldogs |
16 | 14 | 34 | 21 |
|
14 | 16 | 34 | 22 |
|
13 | 17 | 30 | 26 |
| |
9 | 21 | 21 | 34 |
| East | Conf | Overall | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | W | L | |
|
18 | 11 | 39 | 15 |
| 4 Kentucky Wildcats |
18 | 12 | 41 | 15 |
| 3 Florida Gators |
18 | 12 | 40 | 16 |
| 5 Vanderbilt Commodores |
16 | 14 | 29 | 25 |
|
14 | 15 | 31 | 24 |
|
8 | 22 | 24 | 31 |
