By late February, most people in America have already committed to and long forgotten their New Years resolutions, but in New Orleans, our celebration is just about to reach a climax on Mardi Gras Day. Come Ash Wednesday, the city will fall into a deep and quiet 40-day lenten hibernation, so you better believe that New Orleanians make Carnival count. Adorned in costumes and carrying what will hopefully be dozens of coconuts, Edith and I will head to the 300 block of Chartres Street to get our last gluttonous fix… This is why its called “Fat Tuesday.”
SoBou, the French Quarter, trendy, younger sister of Commander’s Palace, is home to the self-service beer taps at your table, 25cent martinis at lunch, and my Mardi Gras tradition: the Foie Gras Burger. Topped with a sunny-side up egg, duck bacon & foie gras fondue, the foie gras ice cream root beer float is the stuff that dreams are made of. This is also where Edith also discovered her love of cracklin’ which she strongly preferred over the organic quinoa veggie muffin that I offered her from home. Parenting win or loss? You decide.
For dessert, head across the street to Kingfish. The open air seating is perfect for viewing the inevitable mid-afternoon dance party, and the foie gras king cake is the perfect way to cap off your perfect Mardi Gras Day. Mark it on the map, this was not only where Edith enjoyed her very first taste of foie gras, but also where she successfully learned the colors purple, green, and gold. Historic District Landmarks Commission, I look forward to your call.
Happy Mardi Gras, y’all!
Earthtalk: “Cool Roofs” for New Orleans
It’s hot outside, but it could be cooler! In this article, Brooke Theis explores Cool Roofs, an effective solution to the urban heat island effect that makes the New Orleans heat so unbearable. The author also explores inequalities in how people experience the environment from identity perspectives like race and class.
Big Chem-EZ: How can small Louisiana communities access clean drinking water after a hurricane?
When I went to visit the Pointe-au-Chien tribe after Hurricane Ida with my Service Learning class, I heard that one of the biggest challenges in the aftermath of the hurricane was finding enough drinking water, so in this article, I explore water purification methods: 1) when they are necessary, 2) how they work, and 3) if they really make your water safe to drink.
