Unlike many of the festivities surrounding Carnival in New Orleans, Mardi Gras Day starts off early. Around sunrise, Uptown marching clubs including the Jefferson City Buzzards and Pete Fountain’s Half-Fast Walking Club take to the streets giving kisses and roses to passersby, while in Tremé, the mysterious Northside Skull and Bones Gang sings and dances through the neighborhood.
Because the main events start simmering down at noon, it’s the perfect day to host a celebratory brunch. With a little preparation the night before, this Fat Tuesday Breakfast comes together in a snap. This savory take on French toast, topped with shrimp and an herbed cream sauce, will certainly make it a meal to remember. And don’t forget to gather your guests around to laissez les bons temps rouler for a few more hours with flutes of Sparkling Hurricanes.






Great city delicious food and great people