Mardi Gras tips from the woman who wrote the book on New Orleans? Sign us up! Beth D’Addono revels in neighborhood culture during Carnival.
Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a freelance food and travel writer specializing in all things Nola. I’ve been writing about New Orleans since 1991 and living here for almost 8 years. I just bought a house in the Bywater/St. Claude neighborhood.
Q. When people read your book, what side of Nola will they see? What’s your take on the city?
The second edition of my book, 100 Things To Do In New Orleans Before You Die, is just out, all about the things I love in New Orleans, feasting and cocktails, music and deeply entrenched local culture and neighborhoods. I include chapters on Krewe du Vieux, Mardi Gras parades large and small and Mardi Gras balls.
Q. What’s your favorite thing about Mardi Gras? What does it mean to you?
The sense of culture, community and neighborhoods is incredible.
Q. Uh oh! Your friends just told you they’re coming for Mardi Gras and know nothing about the city. Quick, where do you send them to eat, sleep and Mardi Gras up?
Stay with me at my Bywater AirBNB of course. Bikes make getting to parades easy. Crescent City Steaks, Katie’s and Marjie’s Grill are all great spots for dining. Southern Costume Company for costumes and FiFi Mahony’s for wigs.
Q. What are a few of your Mardi Gras “must dos”?
- Chantilly King Cake from Bywater Bakery
- Mom’s Ball for the craziest party scene
- Red Beans and Rice Parade in Bywater on Lundi Gras
Q. What’s your favorite parade and why?
I adore two: T’it Rex with its mini floats that rolls from St. Roch and Society of St. Anne walking parade of cultural creatives on Mardi Gras Day.
Q. Walk us through your Fat Tuesday itinerary.
- Catch Mardi Gras Indians around Music Street early
- St. Anne (in the Bywater and Marigny) is next
- Eat whatever’s on the street (There’s lots of grilling going on.)
- Try to catch Zulu by Basin StreetB
Our brand new Mardi Gras guide gives even more tips on how to have the most fun this Carnival season.
