Fat Tuesday happens only once a year, and unfortunately it fell on the day with the biggest snowstorm to hit DC this winter. The temperature was downright frigid and driving through the city was horrendous. But Big Easy fanatics from all around the Beltway came out of the woodwork to dance, prance and indulge during the 5th annual Mardi Gras Celebration at Bayou.
As expected, Chef Rusty Holman‘s, who Tom Sietsema recognized as the “first chef he thinks of when he wants to visit New Orleans sans plane ride,” put out a mouth-watering spread of our all time favorite Bayou fare: Jambalaya, Po-Boys, Fried Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Red Beans & Rice, etc.
N’awlins food taste best with music, and the line up included an incredible repertoire of Brass, R&B, Jazz while party goers jammed to the rhythm of a New Orleans beat: The Yamomanem, Zachary Smith & the Dixie Power Trio, and the Brass Connection Band all energized the festival-goers.
At the bar, JR Friedman put together a delicious concoction of vodka, syrup and rum serving Hurricanes so smooth it made my heart sing.
“Had an amazing time. The band was Superb! Great atmosphere all around. If you’re in DC for Fat Tuesday, you must come to Bayou,” proclaimed Eliza Dawson. Some came all the way from New York to celebrate in glitz and glamour.
“I’m amazingly proud of the Bayou team for organizing another spectacular event despite all the challenges,” said proprietor Eaghmon Banks. “Every year our staff serves a delicious spread of Rusty’s goodness and entertain our fans with soul-inspiring music — it’s an epic party filled with a couple hundred of your best friends, old and new — you’d be hard pressed to find a better deal in DC.”
So while Rusty Holman may be the next best thing to a New Orleans chef sans a plane ride, the Bayou Bash is the next best thing to Fat Tuesday sans a Mardi Gras
Pictures by Jason Morenz
Check out our Facebook Album
[srizonfbalbum id=49]