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Showing posts with label Mardi Gras. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mardi Gras. Show all posts
Thursday, February 5, 2015
I can smell the barbecue pork that’s already smoking on the
pit as we meet at the KC Hall, 503 E. Highway 90, in the town of Iowa,
Louisiana, around 9 a.m. to pay our $10 fee to ride in the parade.
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| Smoked meats like sausage and tasso are popular in Cajun Country. |
Everyone is
milling around in their Courir de Mardi Gras costumes made of rags and visiting
as final preparations are made with the decorations on the trailers.
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| Cory Cart and Lysa Allman-Baldwin enjoy the festivities atop bales of hay in the back of a trailer on the parade route! |
We are in the small town of Iowa, Louisiana for the Iowa Chicken Run on Mardi Gras Day. The parade rolls at 10 a.m.
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| The parade stops at a member of the community's home while Zydeco music is played and everyone dances. If the family approves the dancing skills, they donate ingredients for the gumbo. |
Right as the captain stops the parade at a particular home and blows his whistle, he tosses a chicken in the air and the children in the parade chase the chicken! There is a lot of whooping, hollering and dancing that takes place during the process! It’s quite an honor to catch the chicken.
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| Children chase the chickens in Iowa, La. |
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| Lee Peck with KPLC-TV interviews the child who caught the first chicken. |
It’s a family affair. Rodney Victorian, Berline and Kimmy Bellard welcome us with open arms. There’s no pomp and circumstance or sequined costumes. This is a true, Cajun Country Mardi Gras with laughter, festivity and music that gets your adrenaline pumping.
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| Berline Bellard encourages the cook stirring the gumbo pot. |
My favorite part about the Iowa Chicken Run is how it cuts through the lines of age, race and socioeconomics. There is no king or queen. The chicken run exemplifies true community spirit and living life to the fullest.
For more information on the Iowa Chicken Run, click here.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
By Elizabeth Eustis
King cake spinoffs have become a seasonal trend. Everything from king cake hamburger buns to boudin king cakes are being seen in Louisiana. There are even local businesses creating their own Mardi Gras masterpieces.
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| Photo by David Hill |
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| Botsky's Krewe de Patete Douce |
Pops and
Rockets released their king cake popsicle, Alive and King Cake (a play on
Simple Minds’ hit “Alive and Kicking”). This fresh treat has all the flare of
Mardi Gras with bold cinnamon spice and cool cream cheese. Check it out at the Cash and Carry Farmer's Market!
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| Pops and Rockets' Alive and King Cake Popsicle |
I have also heard people talk about a king cake cheesecake
from SweetChic
Cupcakes. To me, this version is all the wonderfulness of the rich, creamy
filling of at king cake but with less bread which means I CAN EAT MORE! Who can
argue with that?!
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| SweetChic's King Cake Cheesecake |
To complete my Mardi Gras spinoff feast, I found Community
Coffee’s Mardi Gras King Cake flavored coffee, Blue
Bell’s Mardi Gras King Cake ice cream, and Abita Mardi Gras Bock.
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But let’s not forget about the traditional king cake. These
cakes originated in Europe as part of Epiphany celebrations held 12 nights
after Christmas. Louisiana Creoles began serving the cakes of bioche dough
(yeast, butter and eggs) at Twelfth Night balls. The person receiving the lucky
slice, which concealed an object (usually a ring or bean), was crowned king or
queen of the ball. Throughout the years, the king cake tradition has endured.
The cakes are available in every bakery and supermarket during Carnival season
and are as varied as the customers who choose them.
King cakes are special pastries unique to our culture and
will always hold a dear place in my heart. For a chance to win a traditional
king cake in time for Fat Tuesday, visit www.visitlakecharles/kingcake
to enter the King Cake Sweepstakes!
Monday, February 2, 2015
The Royal Gala in Lake Charles,
LA
by Glenn Kaufmann
by Glenn Kaufmann
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
From elaborate headpieces, to flowing gowns, crowns, and
scepters, Mardi Gras krewes outfit their royal courts in the best and brightest
royal regalia. And, if the Royal Gala is any indication, nobody takes Mardi
Gras costumes more seriously than the people of Lake Charles, in southwestern
Louisiana, where more than 60 krewes (parading
organizations) show off their Mardi Gras finery on the night
before Mardi Gras day.
Each year, the Mardi Gras krewes of Southwest Louisiana
put on a colossal costume pageant that is open to the public, providing many
with their only opportunity to see these grand creations. Often, the
royal regalia (costumes) are only worn at private (krewe and guest only) balls
and functions. As a result, the Royal Gala (the exception to the rule) is not
so much a competition as it is a community celebration, and a chance to show
off the year’s designs and handiwork.
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
Up Close and Personal at the Lake Charles
Mardi Gras Museum
Mardi Gras Museum
While the Royal Gala is an ideal introduction to the
costumes, headpieces, and royal accoutrements of the Mardi Gras krewes,
spectators at the event can only get so close to the finery. But, just a few
miles away at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu,
anyone with a few dollars to spare can see hundreds of costumes from years gone
by, and learn a great deal about the design process in the bargain.
Glenn Kaufmann is the
editor and publisher of All About
Mardi Gras, a website that covers Mardi Gras across the united States.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
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| The Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-off occurs Feb. 14, 2015. Photo by Buzzy Gordon |
Thanks to the popularity of Cajun
cuisine, Louisiana cooking has become world famous. And as a big fan myself, I
thought I knew most of what there is to know about the food. Until I went to
Southwest Louisiana for Mardi Gras, and attended the annual Gumbo Cook-Off in
Lake Charles, that is.
This is nothing like any other BBQ
or chili cook-off you may have ever attended. More than 50 krewes and other
competing teams filled a hall of the Lake Charles Civic Center, spilling over outside
adjacent to the lakefront promenade. The noise level is astounding: krewes are
also competing to win the “spirit stick,” by engaging in raucous revelry.
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| Mardi Gras krewes vie for the coveted Spirit Stick! Photo by Buzzy Gordon |
As the smells of simmering roux
start to activate the salivary glands, you begin to wish the tasting would
commence. But the teams have been admonished not to serve until the judges have
collected their samples. Finally, lines begin to form; and one by one, krewes
begin ladling out their savory offerings. These are no measly samples:
styrofoam bowls are filled to the brim with the steaming samples.
I did my best to try them all, but
after 20 or so half-bowls, I had to call it quits. But I managed to taste a bit from each
category: traditional chicken and andouille sausage; seafood; and wild game.
Some of the latter were quite exotic -- like pheasant and elk sausage.
Alligator featured prominently, along with rabbit, and even the occasional
squirrel.
While most of these mouth-watering recipes may be available to the public to eat only once a year, you'll be glad to know that the best in the professional competition -- as awarded in two of the three categories in 2014 -- comes from the kitchen of the Jack Daniel's Bar & Grill restaurant at L'Auberge Casino Resort. Professional seafood honors went to the Krewe de Sauvage, while Krewe de Mischief danced away with the coveted Spirit Stick.
For the aspiring chefs who want to make their own gumbo, check out this "How to Make a Gumbo" video by Chef Scott Landry.
For the aspiring chefs who want to make their own gumbo, check out this "How to Make a Gumbo" video by Chef Scott Landry.
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
January 6 . . . a date known by many names. Many
churches call it Epiphany. In Mexico, it is the Day of the Holy Kings. To the
Irish, it is Little Christmas. Roman Catholics know it as Joan of Arc’s
birthday. But here in Louisiana, it’s Twelfth Night!
Twelfth Night
marks the beginning of Mardi Gras season. In Lake Charles, we celebrate with an
annual Twelfth Night Extravaganza!
At this much-anticipated event held at the Lake Charles Civic Center, the royal
courts of local krewes parade through the arena and make their exit, thus
paving the way for the new krewe kings and queens. In typical Mardi Gras
tradition, it is a night of glitz, glamour, pomp, and pageantry.
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
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| Photo by www.lindseyjanies.com |
Balls, parades, king cakes, gumbo cook-offs, trail rides, chicken runs, giddy merriment, indulgence . . . to me, it was all new, magical, mysterious. Mardi Gras continues to be a source of curiosity, fascination, and bemusement for me.
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
Most of these krewes join the celebration at Twelfth Night Extravaganza. The costumes are colorful, sparkly, feathery, elaborate, and truly something to behold. Revelers on floats toss candy and shiny Mardi Gras beads to the enthusiastic crowd. Each person in attendance receives a small piece of King Cake. Twelve lucky winners find the “baby” in their piece of cake and win fantastic prizes.
Whether it’s a family tradition or your first time to attend, make plans to see the Lake Charles Twelfth Night Extravaganza January 6, 7 p.m.
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
Tickets are $5 in advance, $6 at the door. Children 5 and under admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at Joseph’s Electric, Gordon’s Drug Store, Party Time Store, and Moss Bluff Flower.
To read more of Angie's adventures, check out her blog, angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
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| Stop by the Welcome Center for Louisiana souvenirs, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles |
Summer is a hot travel season here in Southwest
Louisiana. It’s the time of year for
leisure travelers and weekend warriors to explore the beaches on the Gulf of
Mexico, see the alligators along the Creole Nature Trail and hit up the casinos
and live concerts.
When visitors are
looking for something authentic from Lake Charles to bring home with them,
there are a few spots around the area they can shop for souvenirs.
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| Cottage Shops located on Alamo St. |
- The
Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau gift shop has
Louisiana art, Mardi Gras regalia, Lake Charles t-shirts, post cards, Cajun Ben’s
Alligator Heads and Necklaces, magnets, cookbooks, Tabasco Jelly Beans, home decor
and more.
- LeBleu’s Landing in Sulphur sells hot sauces,
Louisiana culinary gift items, children’s toys, books, aprons and other
authentic Southwest Louisiana items.
- The Cottage Shops Cultural District offers
assorted boutiques offering Louisiana art, jewelry, coffee and local souvenirs,
as well.
- The Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail brochure features several locations who ship frozen boudin across the country.
Monday, March 24, 2014
*Adapted from www.movoto.com
and Mitchel Broussard
Lake Charles mixes
small town charm, exciting nightlife and outdoor adventure into a combination
that will have you packing before you finish reading this list.
1. This Town Doesn't Stay Down
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| www.monsoursphotography.net |
Lake Charles has been around for
centuries, but it's the town that almost wasn't after a devastating fire back in 1910. But these people are made of strong stuff. They rebuilt and bounced
right back. Now the city is a booming industrial educational center.
2. Who Needs Vegas When You Have Lake Charles?
3. Lake Charles Has ALL The Golf
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| Gray Plantation on Louisiana's Audubon Golf Trail |
Southwest Louisiana has a total of five
public courses for fulfilling all of your ESPN-fantasy needs. There are also a
handful of family putt-putt courses for everyone else.
4. You Can Take A Deep Breath
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| Brenda LaFleur |
The Creole Nature Trail, colloquially
known as "Louisiana's Outback," is one of the first official scenic byways in
the country. The 180-mile driving tour offers fishing, boating, bird watching,
and even crabbing. Tours are open year round so the views and wildlife are
constantly changing.
5. The Best Snacks You've Never Had
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| Jeff Benoit, B&O's Kitchen and Grocery |
This may sound a little off-putting at
first, but hear me out: Boudin is made of pork meat, liver, rice, onions,
parsley, and seasonings like salt, peppers and garlic powder. It's delicious,
and a staple in Lake Charles along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail. Soon
to be one of your favorites.
6. Two Words: Mardi Gras
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| www.lindseyjanies.com |
7. But Don't Worry, Lake Charles Still Has Class...
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| Spring Art Walk |
The galleries in Lake Charles are
constantly shifting around their art to make sure you're never bored. The
Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center showcases exhibits from around
the world, and of course local artists' work too.
8. Learn About History
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| DeQuincy Railroad Museum |
9. A Pirate's Life For Lake Charles
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| www.contrabanddays.com |
10. You Can Still See Men In Tights Here
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| Cameron Durham |
The Lake Charles Civic Ballet is just
what the doctor ordered for those looking for a night of high culture in southern
Louisiana: The classical music (by the Lake Charles Symphony), the ridiculous
costumes-they even put on a ballet version of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer" last December.
11. You'll See A Larger-Than-Life Relic Of US History
The USS Orleck had her glory days back
in the 1800s and served in Vietnam and Korea, but nowadays she's a constant
reminder in the Calcasieu River of the dedication of the armed forces. The ship
also turns into a haunted ghost ship every Halloween, which is pretty much
about as terrifying as it sounds.
12. This City Will Have You Dancing All Night
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| www.lindseyjanies.com |
13. It's Even Produced A Few Famous Musicians
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| Joshua Ledet at the Burton Complex |
14. The Grocery Stores Aren't Like Yours
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| Sausage Link |
See a wide range of Louisiana-grown rice available
to the public, an assortment of hot sauces, the roux section, and a variety of
different meat and seafood sold. Local
grocers stuff chicken and pork chops with boudin, sausage and other tasty delicacies.
Lake Charles also has a glowing
admiration for farmers and all of the fruit, veggies, jams, spices, soaps, and
other goodies they make. The city hosts two farmers markets that run weekly for
most of the year, where you can find what you need and discover stuff you
didn't even know you wanted.
15. Lake Charles Throws The Rule Book Out The Window
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| www.monsoursphotography.net |
Monday, December 17, 2012
As an individual who grow up in
the cornfields of Northern Indiana, nothing could prepare me for the excitement
that is Mardi Gras! Sure, we had our county festival that was plenty exciting
with rides, entertainment, food and, my personal favorite, the pig races, but
the fair never lasted long enough and the parade was generic and lacking.
This brings me to my
first Mardi Gras experience that hopefully you can learn from. I was 21 and
lured down to Lake Charles by my future wife. I decided that Mardi Gras season
would be the perfect time to leave the mundane behind, and I was right!
During my trip I was treated to
the legendary southern hospitality, to the point that people I had just met
invited me to my very first crawfish boil! I had never eaten crawfish before
and my first impression of everyone going crazy about these little mud bugs was
that they were nuts. After my first heaping tray full of the little critters, I
could see why everyone was crazy… They were delicious!
As the trip progressed I was
able to explore the Mardi Gras Museum which is home to the largest collection
of Mardi Gras costumes in the world. It was amazing to see all of these very
unique and over-the-top costumes that the Mardi Gras Kings and Queens wear at
their balls and parades.
After a while I was
introduced to my very first King Cake. For those of us not raised in the Mardi
Gras culture, it is a delicious cake that comes in a variety of flavors (my
favorite is cream cheese and strawberry) traditional served around the Mardi
Gras season. My first bite in the cake offered quite a surprise, a tiny plastic
baby! Apparently, there is a plastic baby hidden in the King Cake’s that when
found offer the finder certain privileges and obligations, such as buying the
next King Cake! What a way to welcome a visitor, shove a toy in his food, don’t
tell him about it, and then have him buy the next cake! It was a great bonding
experience, but be warned, Baby in Cake!
After the cake
fiasco, I was finally lead to my very first Mardi Gras parade, the Krewe of
Krewes Parade. This happened to be one of the largest parades in Southwest
Louisiana. Starting right before dark the excitement was alive with people who
had been camping out all day. I quickly learned this was not your typical
parade with marching bands, the crazy little guys who fly around on go carts,
and beauty queens. Instead, I witnessed these crazy, raised floats pumping out
music and a shower of beads, cups, and plastic coins raining down upon my head!
People were excited, waving their hands in the air and yelling “Throw me
something mister!” It took a little bit for me bust out of my shell, but I quickly
found myself having the time of my life.
So, if you’re looking for
something different and exciting that you will remember for a lifetime, try
visiting Mardi Gras in Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana!
For more info go to http://www.visitlakecharles.org/mardi-gras/
For more info go to http://www.visitlakecharles.org/mardi-gras/
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