Seattle Mardi Gras 2012 events

Image via Flickr user David Reber's Hammer PhotographyMardi Gras is this Tuesday. If you'd like to celebrate with some Cajun and Creole cuisine, check out these Southern food events happening this week.

Tue, February 21

• 6pm: Blue Ribbon Cooking School Mardi Gras Cooking Party.  “Chef Jemil is back and he brings the traditions of his native New Orleans to the kitchens of Blue Ribbon for his annual Mardi Gras Party.  Lake Union will meet the bayou as the gumbo is simmering on the stove and the crawfish are bubbling in the pot.  In true New Orleans style there will be large quantities of food and everyone will be in the kitchen cooking hands-on to create the perfect Mardi Gras Feast of classic New Orleans dishes. Come join in the fun and celebrate in New Orleans style with lots of great food, wonderful company and special Mardi Gras surprises. Menu: Deep- Fried Okra; Crab Bisque; Crawfish Monica; Chicken and Sausage Gumbo; Jambalaya; Caesar Salad; King Cake; Beignets with Bourbon Glaze.”  $95
• 6pm: Mardi Gras Party at Havana. Marching band, Where Ya At Matt, drink specials.
• 6-9pm: Ragin ' Cajun Cooking Class at Hipcooks. “Come on down, y'all, to the dirty south! We'll be fixin & servin' up Hipcooksified favorites with ol' southern hospitality. Laissez le bon temp rouler! Shrimp Étouffée with Nainain's sweet corn bread; Chicken and Andouille sausage gumbo (yea, you right!); Turnips and greens; Bananas Foster.” $65
• 6:30-9:30pm: Mardi Gras Party! Ragin' Cajun Cookin' at Cook’s World. “Guest Chef Matthew Lasof, a native of New Orleans, and a former souschef at Commander’s Palace will swing us into the rhythm of New Orleans' mantra: Let the Good Times ROLL!! Get yourselves in the spirit HERE & celebrate Fat Tuesday! MENU: fabulous Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo Ya-Ya, "dirty' Rice & Red beans, New Orleans-style BBQ Shrimp for starters & for the sweet finale: Pumpkin & Cranberry Croissant-bread Pudding w. Caramel Apple Brandy Sauce. Yaya!” $65

Sat, February 25, 7-10pm: Jubilee Women's Center's 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Party & Silent Auction at Melrose Market.  “It's time for the 2nd Annual Jubilee's Mardi Gras Party & Silent Auction! Enjoy the fun of Mardi Gras while supporting the work of Jubilee Women's Center.  From 7-10 PM try your hand at black jack tables, win bottles of wine at our wine ring toss, pop balloons for prizes or bid on a variety of fabulous, donated local items at our silent auction!  The evening features Cajun-inspired hors d'oeuvres as well as a raffle! Ticket[s]…include admission, a variety of tasty delights, a drink and (of course) Mardi Gras beads.  Bar includes wine and beer. Space is limited and the event sold out last year, so purchase your tickets today!” $65

And last, but not least: it’s not a Mardi Gras event specifically, but in case all this has put you in the mood for more New Orleans fare…

Sun, February 26, 10:30am and 12pm seatings: Where Ya At Matt Gospel Brunch at Nectar. Where Ya At, Seattle's favorite Creole food truck is pleased announce our first authentic New Orlean's style gospel brunch. We have two gospel choirs lined up and a delicious family-style brunch menu planned.  Menu: Hushpuppies; Biscuits & Gravy; Fruit Platter; House-Cured Bacon, Andouille Sausage & Red Potatoes; Creole Style Eggs Benedict; Fish & Grits; Beignets & Coffee. Drinks will be available for purchase. Mimosas, Bloody Marys and a few special creations from bartender Ian Cargill.” $40