With March having finally rolled around, Mardi Gras isn’t far behind. The first ever American Mardi Gras was held on March 3rd 1699 in what is now present day New Orleans. Although Indy is a far ways north from Louisiana, you can still experience some of the best things about the celebration. Here is a list of places where you can find the best Mardi Gras food, and also where you can find the best King Cakes.
Mardi Gras Events
At this cookoff, you can let the good times roll. Here you can taste gumbo from some of the best cooks from local restaurants. Each sample comes with a slice of French bread and there’s wine and beer available at Tomlinson Tap Room. Questions to the contestants are welcome, and of course children can come and enjoy the event as well. Prices range from $15 for adults and $10 for children. The event starts on March 5th at 6pm at 222 E. Market Street.
Get in line early when Milktooth opens its doors for an all you can eat shrimp boil. The advance tickets for this event are sold out. However, twenty-five tickets will be available at the door on opening day. But shrimp is not all you will get to enjoy. King Cake, sausage with corn and potatoes, oysters, and sazeracs will also be served. There will even be a DJ who will be playing some soulful Louisiana music. Tickets are $40 and the event is from 4pm to 9pm at 534 Virginia Ave on March 5th.
Party for a cause here at this dinner party. It doubles as a fundraiser for teachers grants. The event starts on March 5th at 6pm at the Outpost on Old 321 South. Some activities include live and silent auctions, free wine tasting, Mardi Gras costume contest, live traditional Dixieland and Jazz music, and much more. Some of the food even includes authentic Cajun, oysters and alligator. To RSVP, visit their website.
King Cake
Thought to be brought to New Orleans in 1870 by the French, the King Cake isn’t your typical type of cake. Inside one slice there is a tiny plastic baby hidden. In the beginning the small baby doll represented baby Jesus, but over the years it has taken on a new meaning. Now, it is said to bring luck and prosperity to whoever finds it. Some places even use it as a prize. Here is a list of bakeries where you can purchase your own King Cake.
6216 Allisonville Road Indianapolis, IN 46220 (317) 251-9575
Historic City Market Building – 222 East Market Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 (317) 632-3644
653 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis IN (317) 686-1583
6524 N. Cornell Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46220 (317) 251-2253
Get your costumes and beads ready before you head out to some of these events or even your own, and don’t forget your King Cake. What are some of your favorite Mardi Gras events? Tell us in the comments below.
