Mardi Gras: Michigan Edition

Mardi Gras, French for Fat Tuesday, is a Christian holiday that is celebrated the day before the religious season of Lent begins. But you may know it as a day of feasting and revelry before Ash Wednesday and weeks of fasting that ends with Easter. Although Mardi Gras originated as a religious tradition, it is now a celebratory time for all to come together over great food. 

Louisiana is the only state in which Mardi Gras is a legal holiday, but it certainly isn’t illegal to celebrate Mardi Gras here in Michigan. As someone born and raised in Louisiana, I think Mardi Gras should become a legal holiday in every state. Whether in Louisiana or in Michigan, celebrating Mardi Gras is not optional in my opinion. It is my absolute favorite holiday of the year. So, if you’re like me and looking for a great Mardi Gras celebration right here in Michigan, here are a few ways to “pass a good time”:

Cheers to Mardi Gras, virtual

Join our friends at Michigan Radio for a virtual craft cocktail evening.  On Tuesday, February 16th, enjoy an intimate evening with Lester Graham and Tammy Coxen for a discussion of history and mixology as they explore and recreate New Orleans best classic cocktails like the French 75 and Sazarec just to name a few. Purchase tickets for this intimate and interactive event here. h

Mardi Gras: NOLA Dinner in the Yurt Village

Frame, a hidden dining space in Hazel behind JoeBar, offers extended chef residencies and themed dinners.  Their Mardi Gras themed dinner features Chef Michael Barrera cooking up golden fried oysters, Muffaletta, gumbo, BBQ shrimp, and beignets. Enjoy this five-course meal with cocktail pairings in one of their yurts or take it home – complete with masquerade masks and Mardi Gras beads. The special Mardi Gras dinner runs from February 18th – 28th. Reserve your NOLA dinner experience here.

Mardi Gras Menu Takeover

Located in beautiful St. Clair, The Anchor Point welcomes their 2nd annual Mardi Gras Menu takeover complete with beignets, crawfish, po’boys and so much more! Proceeds from their 50/50 raffle benefit the Lelito’s Legacy Foundation, an organization that creates healthy opportunities for youth and removes financial barriers in support of student athletes. Make a reservation or place an order for curbside pick up here.

Mardi Gras Festival, 2/12-16

A Hurricane cocktail from Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen

Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen, in Elk Rapids is a Cajun & Creole restaurant known for their heartwarming hospitality and unique cocktails. They offer a Mardi Gras Festival like none other. From February 12-16, explore the origins of Creole cuisine to begin their five week dinner series exploring five different cuisines. Everyday is Mardi Gras at Pearl’s! See what’ s on the menu here.

Paczki Party

Potentially one of the most well known Mardi Gras traditions in Michigan is the paczki! These jelly or custard filled fried donuts are the epitome of indulgence traditionally made (and eaten) to clear out the cupboards in advance of the fasting period before Easter. If you don’t already have a paczki plan in place, check out this awesome list of Michigan bakeries from Pure Michigan.

Mardi Gras 2021 may look slightly different, but the goal is always the same – laissez les bon temps rouler “let the good times roll”!

Ederique Goudia is the Metro Detroit Content Creator for Taste the Local Difference.  Contact her at: [email protected]