FAT TUESDAY

ON A

SLIM BUDGET:

MARDI GRAS

IN

BETHESDA

It would be ideal to be in New Orleans today, but you just don't have the vacation time or money to do so. Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row to the rescue!

If you are seeking Cajun cuisine in Bethesda, Louisiana Kitchen and Bayou Bar at 4907 Cordell Avenue is the place to go. This is not a pretentious restaurant, but a place offering Cajun standards and Louisiana specialty beers. Now that Cacao Poulain has closed at Bethesda Row, Louisiana Kitchen is the only regular source of fresh beignets in town.

There are other choices in town for Mardi Gras dining:

Blackfinn Bethesda - Top on my list is their Shrimp and Grits entree, with Tasso ham (it doesn't get anymore authentic than that). Blackfinn also has a Bourbon Street Burger with Boursin cheese and peppercorn sauce (and a Hangover Burger if you need it on Wednesday!), and a real Fried Oyster Po'Boy.

Head to American Tap Room at Bethesda Row for lunch or dinner today: you can order the N'awlins Fish or Creole Sausage sandwiches at either time!

Rather stay in tonight?

Head to Giant and pick up boxes of Zatarain's New Orleans favorites, like Red Beans and Rice. That one gets five stars from me. Add a fresh or frozen catfish filet, and you have a full dinner.

Don't forget Zapp's potato chips! If you're lucky, they'll be in stock at Potbelly Sandwich Works on Elm Street, or one stop away on the Red Line at World Market in Friendship Heights.

Mardi Gras tip: before leaving Friendship Heights, stop by Lia's on Willard Ave, head into the bar, and order an Abita Turbodog, direct from Louisiana.

Top off your Mardi Gras evening with a fresh King Cake from the bakery at Giant, complete with beads and plastic baby hidden inside. A Mardi Gras tradition that goes back to the Old World.

Finally, what New Orleans Mardi Gras would be complete without a Hurricane from Pat O'Brien's?

The problem is, we're here, not in New Orleans. Not to worry, here is a Hurricane cocktail recipe I got from Phillips Seafood restaurants:

HURRICANE

1 oz. light rum

1 oz. dark rum

1/2 oz. grenadine

3 oz. orange juice

3 oz. pineapple juice

Shake and pour over ice.

Add pineapple slice and cherry as garnish.

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!

from

Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row