TreatYourSelf to Mardi Gras Treats
Ina Mae Tavern
Treatyourself 2021! Pączkis. Treatyourself. Po boy sandwiches. Treatyourself. Cocktails. Treatyourself. It’s the best day of the year! 🥳
All Parks & Rec jokes aside, Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday if you want to fat-shame the day 🤪) is such a fun day for foodies! It’s a great day to try classic cajun dishes and much-loved New Orleans-inspired meals, not to mention a fruit cocktail or two. It’s also an exciting moment of celebration in what can sometimes feel like a never ending Chicago winter. So let’s celebrate in style this year! Get ready Chicago, because there are plenty of places to dig in and throw down…
Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods {1415 North Wood Street, Chicago; 773.360.8320}: In addition to their variety of Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday menu offerings, Ina Mae Tavern is hosting a virtual “Lundi Gras” Cooking Class with Chef Brian Jupiter on Monday, February 15. Learn how to create Crab Cake Po' Boys with Remoulade from the best in Chicago! If you want to take time off cooking though, don’t worry! They have all kinds of NOLA-inspired specials like Crab Legs and Hurricane cocktails, as well as Blues Brunch planned for this weekend.
Frontier {1072 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.772.4322}: West Town's Frontier will be hosting their annual Fat Tuesday Shrimp Boil on February 16, with in-house, carry-out, and delivery options available. Whether you want to escape the house or dig in on your couch, they’ve made it easy for Chicagoans to enjoy Boiled Shrimp, Corn, and Potatoes as well as cocktails like Hurricanes and Sazeracs. 🍹Pick-up and delivery are available from 4-7PM on Tuesday, February 16, but order ASAP to reserve your meal!
Virtue Restaurant {1462 East 53rd Street, Chicago; 773.947.8831}: Now through February 13th, you can dig in to Chef Erick Williams’ specials that celebrate the flavors of Mardi Gras. Three-course dinners, which include desserts from pastry ace Chef Becky Pendola, are offered priced per person, and change daily. Wednesday’s menu features an entree of Crispy Gulf Shrimp Po’Boy and Thursday’s menu highlight is Chicken & Andouille Jambalaya. For Valentine’s weekend, Friday’s special is a Blackened Catfish Shrimp Etouffe, and Saturday’s date night menu has Gumbo Z’Herbes as the entree of the night. There is so much to eat in so little time! You can also pre-order house-made King Cake by Friday!
Firecakes Donuts {multiple locations}: Sweet treat-lover’s get ready! Firecakes is about to make all your dreams come true 😍 They are offering Paczki in a wide range of flavors including Housemade Raspberry-Blood Orange Jelly with Powdered Sugar, Malted Chocolate Cream with Chocolate Sugar, Lemon Curd with Lemon Glaze, and Apple Bourbon with Sugar. If that’s not enough to make your mouth water, there will also be festive King Cake Donuts for you to order! Get them as a single sweet, half dozen or dozen for pick-up or delivery for the holiday. The toughest decision will be picking which one to eat first!
Vanille Patisserie {2108 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.868.4574}: For a taste of France in Chicago, Vanille is your must-try! This year, they have an extra special offering for Mardi Gras because they’re partnering with Bennison’s Bakery to bring you the best in King’s Cakes and Paczkis that Chicagoland has to offer! You have to order by Wednesday, February 10 though, so make your plans ASAP.
French Quiche {2210 North Halsted Street, Chicago; 773.857.0097}: A newer addition to the French food scene in Chicago, this cozy spot has all day offerings so you can celebrate Mardi Gras at every meal. From quiches and crêpes to sandwiches like the classic Le Croque Monsieur, it’s the perfect takeaway spot for an extra special breakfast, lunch or snack!
Polombia Chicago {Inside The OutPost Mexican Eatery, 520 West Harrison Street, Chicago; 832.202.4574}: If you haven’t tried this new Polish/Colombian spot yet - RUN for their pazckis! They have everything from classics like Nutella and Cherry to truly creative flavors including Guava Coconut, Mango/Pineapple, Rose Hips and more! Buy a bunch to share with your Fat Tuesday foodie friends 😊
Bluegrass {1636 Old Deerfield Road, Highland Park; 847.831.0595}: Bluegrass has always been a fantastic suburban destination for Southern-inspired food, and this year will be no exception. Thanks to specials like Jambalaya with Shrimp, Po’Boys and Sweet Potato Pecan Pie for dessert, you’re going to leave full and happy after a meal with their team.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor