Celebrate Fat Tuesday in a Big Way at Atkins Park Virginia-Highland Feb. 13

Fat Tuesday is so big, Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland couldn’t squeeze the party into a few evening hours of revelry…so they’re filling the whole day with Mardi Gras glory. One dollar king cake slices lead the daylong procession of food and drink specials on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Lucky customers finding a tiny baby in their king cake slice will receive a $20 Atkins Park gift card. Eat, drink and be merry on Tuesday -- and bring your Valentine with you since Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday coincide the next day.

Mardi Gras Reigns and Henri’s Bakery has Your King Cakes

Crown your Mardi Gras festivities with a king cake from Atlanta’s local slice of NOLA life, Henri’s Bakery & Cafe. Henri’s creates tempting king cakes with cream cheese, cinnamon or almond fillings, dollops of creamy frosting, the sparkle of gem-hued sugar crystals, and tosses on a few strands of Mardi Gras beads and a mask to boot. The wreath-shaped standout comes wrapped on a foil platter for a regal presentation. The legendary bakery offers three sizes to accommodate your krewe or court: small, medium and large. Say, perhaps you have experienced the same calendar epiphany we’ve realized. This year, Ash Wednesday falls on the same day as Valentine’s Day, giving an extra reason to be sweet on sharing a king cake from Henri’s Bakery with all of your loved ones. What fun to see who will find the baby inside his or her slice and get to be “king” for the day (and host next year’s celebration). Order yours, allowing 48-hour notice, from one of Henri’s three locations: Upper Westside, 404-968-9412; Buckhead, 404-237-0202; or Sandy Springs, 404-256-7934. Lest we forget to mention, Henri’s rolls out some praise-worthy po’boys as well. 

Let the Good Times Roll Across Atlanta Today for Mardi Gras

Today is Fat Tuesday, and we're not about to miss out on the opportunity to live it up on one of the greatest days of the year for foodies. Honor the occasion with all of the food, frivolity, sweets and spirit(s) of a NOLA native. These Atlanta establishments are doing just that!

Call it Mardi Gras or call it Fat Tuesday. Either way, the annual day of decadence before Lent has "all you can eat and drink" written all over it. 10^th & Piedmont is more than happy to oblige on Tuesday, March 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m. They're coupling an all-you-can-eat low country boil and an all-you-can-drink deal on select premium beers. Local singer/songwriter James Patrick Morgan performs. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door.  

The Fat Tuesday celebration at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland promises a full day of beads, beers (including Abita Restoration), hurricanes, oysters, gumbo, king cake and po'boys. Go ahead, parade down Highland Avenue with your krewe.

Mardi Gras knows (almost) no time constraints at Marlow's Tavern locations, where Bayou 'n Bourbon emphasizes New Orleans tastes through March 31. Fill up on "Mo' Betta" specials such as roasted chicken and shrimp gumbo, fiery spice lump crab cake, Honey Jack chicken and andouille flatbread, N'awlins-style po'boy, a Bayou burger packing andouille sausage and crispy crawdads, deconstructed jambalaya and Sweet Bourbon St. rib-eye steak ($6.50-$26). Jack Daniel's Honey douses the honey bourbon bread pudding ($7). Marlow's upholds Bourbon Street's beverage traditions and spins its own twists: the (not Pat's) Marlow's hurricane jazzes up Pat O'Brien's recipe with Bacardi Light rum and a floater of 151, and Ramos gin fizz, Bourbon St. lemonade and a Cajun cosmo are just as heady ($8-$9.50). Louisiana "home brew" Abita Restoration and malty Abita Amber pair perfectly with all things Cajun ($5.50); Sokol Blosser Evolution from Oregon keeps wine lovers in the loop ($11/$44).

Are your feet on Bourbon Street, NOLA or in Ray's in the City on Peachtree Street, ATL? Ray's in the City plants Mardi Gras merrymaking right into the heart of downtown Atlanta on Tuesday, March 4. From 5-8 p.m., Ray's in the City rocks the Mardi Gras vibe with fun drink specials, live music and Cajun-inspired appetizers. Bust out your gold, purple and green beads! It's time to party hearty, and there's no cover charge.

If clamoring that Cajun-French expression "Laissez les bons temps rouler" or "let the good times roll" sends visions of rich and round bonbons twirling through your head, roll right into Chocolate South. The artisan chocolate shop on Atlanta's Westside is crafting Mardi Gras sweets. Key lime balls are as colorful as Mardi Gras beads, and Kona coffee with Gran Marnier beauties look a bit like the fleur de lis worn by the New Orleans Saints, don't you think? These tasty baubles are a steal at $3 each.

Hit the Red Carpet for 10th & Piedmont Oscar Party on March 2 and Mardi Gras Party on March 4

And the award for the best week of parties goes to... *drumroll* 10th & Piedmont! Two star-studded phenomena -- the Academy Awards and Mardi Gras occurring in the same week -- catapult the midtown hot spot into revelry mode and put two big bashes on the can't-miss calendar. Strike a pose at the Red Carpet Oscar Party on Sunday, March 2 from 7 p.m. until who knows when. Host Angelica D'Paige leads the evening where suspense unfolds on the jumbo screen and $15 bottomless Champagne enables congratulatory toasts and drowns disappointments. Bust out your black tie or favorite designer dress to compete in the best-dressed contest, then make your own award picks on your personal Oscar ballot. Winners in both contests take home cash and prizes (better, we think, than a dust-catching statue). Reservations and information: 404-602-5510.

On Tuesday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m., the red carpet comes up and Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold roll out for a Fat Tuesday Bash featuring all-you-can-eat low country boil and all-you-can-drink select premium beers. Local singer/songwriter James Patrick Morgan performs. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. Book a table for your krewe today and let the good times roll!

Take a Bite Out of the Big Easy with Marlow's Tavern "Bayou 'n Bourbon" Menu Plus More in this Week's Dish

Last minute Valentine's Day planners - you're in luck! With just two more days to make an impression on your loved one, be sure to check out our list of ATL restaurants with delicious V-Day specials. Ahead of the game on those dinner plans? Check out all the Mardi Gras fun and other events around the city, plus much more in this week's Dish! 

Marlow’s Tavern is Ready to Let the Good Times Roll During “Bayou ‘n Bourbon”

Can’t travel to NOLA this week? No worries! Head to Marlow’s Tavern for the annual “Bayou ‘n Bourbon” menu! Get a bite of the Big Easy with delicious dishes like roast chicken and shrimp gumbo ($6.50); fiery crawfish fondue ($9); honey Jack chicken and andouille flatbread ($9.50); “Nawlins-style” po’ boy of shrimp and crawfish ($12.50); bayou burger spiked with andouille sausage, crawdaddies and cheddar cheese ($12); deconstructed jambalaya ($14); sweet Bourbon St. rib-eye blackened and blazed with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey ($26).

Ready for dessert? A honey bourbon bread pudding made with honey and vanilla crème brûlée, soaked ciabatta and a splash of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey ($7) closes the spirited meal. And you can’t forget the adult beverages… Marlow’s takes on New Orleans’ classic cocktails including “Pat’s” Marlow’s Hurricane ($8), Ramos Gin Fizz ($8.50), Cajun Cosmo ($9) with Absolut Mango and Pepper ($9) and Louisiana’s own Abita Restoration ($5.50), the ideal companion for spicy Cajun dishes. “Bayou ‘n Bourbon” pours it on through March 25!

RA Sushi Lets Loose with "Mardi RA" Fat Tuesday Party

  

On Tuesday, February 12, RA Sushi Bar Restaurant is celebrating Fat Tuesday with "Mardi RA", giving Atlantans a much shorter trip from home and more money for food and drink specials to go along with the festivities and DJ entertainment. Go all out by spending some of your short-trip savings on Mardi Gras beads and attire. "Mardi RA" Big Easy specials heat up the party. Sriracha amps up noodle-laden spicy chicken and shishito green necklace ($7) and the chili shrimp roll ($8) while three beef kushiyaki skewers with teriyaki sauce ($9) appease mild-mannered souls. "Mardi RA" cocktails speak the NOLA language, translating to a Southern Julep with Southern Comfort and Maker's Mark ($8) and the HurRAcane storming with Southern Comfort and fresh fruit juices ($8). 

Atkins Park Smyrna Mardi Gras/Oyster Festing Begins This Friday

 

Oyster fans, get ready to head to Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Smyrna as they roll out their 2^nd Annual Oyster/Mardi Gras Fest this Friday, February 8 through Tuesday, February 12!  The fun starts on Friday night when live music from Dixie Duncan band starts up beginning at 11 p.m. Buy tickets online for Saturday's tented band fest and Sunday events, $5 in advance and $10 day of event at the door. There's a heap more hoopla at Monday's family friendly Lundi Gras and Tuesday's Mardi Gras mask party with band Andrew Black & Friends!

Atkins Park Tavern Smyrna Celebrates Five Days of Mardi Gras Oyster Festing

 

Atkins Park Tavern Smyrna celebrates Mardi Gras and seafood with their 2^nd Annual Oyster/Mardi Gras Fest, Friday, February 8 through Tuesday, February 12. The Dixie Duncan band hits the stage at 11 p.m. Friday night. Guests can purchase tickets online for Saturday and Sunday events, $5 in advance and $10 day of at the door. On Saturday, doors open at 11 a.m. with music on the outdoor stage (inside a heated tent) beginning at 1 p.m. The last band for the day, takes to the indoor stage at 10:30 p.m. 

On Sunday, boogie in for day-long live music and a "cure-all" New Orleans-style hangover brunch. Monday Lundi Gras provides family-friendly entertainment for all ages with the band GrassRoots at 5:30 p.m., plus face painting, mask decorating and a menu of NOLA favorites. Cover up for Tuesday's Mardi Gras mask party featuring the band Andrew Black & Friends at 9:30 p.m. Bring your own mask, but don't fret if you don't have one! Buy one at the door for $5. Proceeds go to Mustard Seed Communities. See you there! 

Atlanta's Krewes Bring a Flavor of N'awlins to You

Mardi Gras has no borders. Right here in the ATL, several fun-loving restaurants are throwing beads and bashes right along with the best of Bourbon Street. On Fat Tuesday, February 21, RA Sushi suggests you don your beads and favorite Mardi Gras apparel to whoop it up with DJ beats, $8 Southern juleps and HurRAcanes along with other lively libations. Asian-Cajun treats include the spicy chicken and shishito peppers ($7), chili shrimp roll ($8) and spicy kalbi beef ($9). Festivities run 7 p.m. to close.

In Smyrna, Atkins Park Tavern launches a five-day Mardi Gras Oysterfest starting today, February 17. New Orleans-style fare, live music and entertainment for children and adults lay on the lagniappe through Fat Tuesday, February 21. Oyster specials roll as oyster beignets, po'boys, Rockefeller style as well as grilled, raw and fried. The Patrick Scott Band plays on Friday night. On Saturday, there's brunch from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The musical lineup begins at 2 p.m. with Wesley Cook, Soul Hound with blues and soul outside at 6 p.m. and Todd Wells from 10:30 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. Saturday cover is $10 advance/$15 at the door and includes a ticket for Sunday's events. Sunday's "Cure-All" hangover brunch hours are 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. with more great live music in the afternoon. Monday focuses on a celebration of New Orleans faves and entertainment for all ages from 5 - 10 p.m. Tuesday parties on with beads, beer and The Andrew Black Band from 9:30 p.m. to close at 2:30 a.m. Free admission on Monday and Tuesday.

Fat Tuesday is king on February 21 at Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland. Stop by for a full day of fun with beers such as Restoration Pale Ale, hurricanes, gumbo, po' boys, oysters and king cake. The band Homefront plays at 10 p.m.

Downtown, Ray's in the City pleases with New Orleans-inspired specials beginning at 11 a.m. on Fat Tuesday. It's a full-fledged party from 5 - 7:30 p.m. complete with live music, specialty cocktails, Ray's famous gumbo, peel-and-eat shrimp, oysters on the half shell and a Low Country boil-style buffet.

If you can't make it out on Fat Tuesday, then don't fret. This year's Bayou 'N Bourbon menu at Marlow's Tavern brings Mardi Gras flavors to your table. There's no cutesy masquerading here -- these dishes are Louisiana through and through for you and your "krewe" until March 26.

Uncle Julio's Reveals New Drink Menu The Night Before Fat Tuesday

No need to wait for Cinco de Mayo!  Uncle Julio’s is here to satisfy your taste for tequila just in time for Mardi Gras with a few new additions to their beverage lineup. On Monday, February 20, Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food will introduce new cocktails ($8.50-$9.95) like the Patron-Cosmo Rita, (Patron Silver, Julio’s fresh lemon/lime sour and splash of cranberry juice) and the oh so tropical, Mango Passion Rita (1800 Reposado, peach schnapps and a fresh mango-passion fruit blend).  Margaritas not your thing?  Uncle Julio’s has you covered with their take on the classic mojito.  Their Cuervo Gold-laced Mexican mojito will bring a fiesta to your mouth by using tequila instead of rum.  And for those out there watching their waistlines, the Patron Skinny Margarita (120 calories) and the Julio’s Skinny Guava-Rita (130 calories) allow you to sip guilt-free.  You can sample these drinks at either the Buckhead or Sandy Springs location.

Let The Good Times Roll with The Dish

Happy Valentine's Day to all of our Dish readers! Enjoy our latest edition, full of great ideas like last minute Valentine's Day dinners (we won't tell) and upcoming Mardi Gras celebrations you won't want to miss. If you're not feeling the Dish love every Tuesday morning in your inbox, you can sign up either here on our blog or on our Facebook page. 

Mardi Gras Season Means Bayou 'N Bourbon at Marlow's Tavern

Forget the masquerades and beads - for us, Mardi Gras means the annual Bayou 'N Bourbon menu at Marlow's Tavern. All eight locations of the neighborhood tavern are serving up dishes that are Louisiana through and through from tomorrow, February 15 through March 26. "Mo' Betta Specials" include chicken and shrimp gumbo; fiery crawfish fondue (pictured right); bayou flatbread; a N'awlins-style po' boy; the bayou burger jazzed with andouille sausage, craw daddies, cheddar cheese and Creole mustard; "deconstructed" jambalaya; and the sweet Bourbon St. ribeye ($7-$26). Save room for the honey bourbon bread pudding splashed with Jack Daniel's Honey ($7). You can also toast Bourbon Street with a Marlow's hurricane (borrowed from Pat O'Briens), a Ramos gin fizz, Bourbon St. lemonade, a Cajun cosmo and Abita Jockamo ($5-$9). Marlow's regular menu is also available for those who can't handle the celebratory kick.

Add a Little Spice in Your Life at Marlow’s Tavern

“Bayou ‘n Bourbon” is back at Marlow’s Tavern and spicier than ever! Beginning Tuesday, February 15 through Monday, March 28, choose from a variety of flavors from the Deep South on this limited-time menu. You can munch on the traditional Roast Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo ($6) or the “jazzed up” Bayou Burger ($10) paired with a Louisiana-style drink such as Pat’s Marlow’s Hurricane ($8) or the Cajun Cosmo ($8).

Don’t miss this celebration! Marlow’s Tavern will offer this six-week long promotion daily at all seven locations. For more information about Marlow’s Tavern and their locations, visit www.marlowstavern.com. Laissez les bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

Only One Month Until Mardi Gras?

January has really flown by and before we know it February will be over, too! That means there’s really just a month until the biggest party of the year: Mardi Gras. Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna isn't waiting for March 8 to celebrate. The popular neighborhood eatery and bar is hosting a "One Month 'til Mardi Gras" tomorrow night! So go ahead and get the good times rolling a month early by enjoying Louisiana appetizers, Abita beer and hurricane specials, $5 Stoli martinis plus masks, beads and live music by Scotty Cram at 8 p.m.

Atkins Park Tavern - Smyrna: Market Village, 2840 Atlanta Road; 770-435-1887.

Mardi RA, Mardi RA, Mardi RA

Next Tuesday, RA Sushi is throwing the Mack Daddy of all Mardi Gras parties. Ahem, I mean Mardi RA parties! With a DJ, drink specials and a costume contest judged by Atlanta's favorite - Baton Bob, what is not to love about this party?! Party starts at 8 p.m. and the costume contest will go down between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.

I'm ready. Are you?