By Ohio.org Staff
Posted On: Feb 27, 2022
Most might think of Mardi Gras as a New Orleans-only celebration. But "Fat Tuesday" traces back to religious celebrations in Europe as the day to partake before Lent. And it's no wonder that a day dedicated to eating and sweet treats has continued to be a popular celebration.
But NOLA doesn't get all the Mardi Gras love. Ohio has it's own way to celebrate Mardi Gras. And that's food. So if you're ready to eat your way through the day, check out these spots for a true Mardi Gras and New Orleans-inspired experience.
Photo credit: La Chatelaine French Bakery & Bistro, Facebook
Beignets
A modern restaurant located in Columbus' historic Leveque Tower, The Keep offers a delicious meal inspired by the best of French cuisine. But the real treat are its delicious beignets that come with dipping sauce.
The French bakery La Chatelaine (with locations throughout central Ohio), serves beignets for the Mardi Gras season. As well as other sweet treats, perfect for "laissez les bons temps rouler!"
Add some caffeine to your day with a classic cafe au lait from La Chatelaine. Or head over to Fox in the Snow and order a New Orleans style iced coffee. And don't forget to check out the newly opened Way Down Yonder Beignets and Coffee spot in Columbus.
Pączki
If beignets aren't your thing, it's also National Pączki Day! For those in Cleveland, several local bakeries are selling the Polish (doughnut) pastry. Check out spots like Colozza's Bakery, Edwin's, Rudy's Strudel, The Vegan Donut Co. and Goldie's Donuts & Bakery and pickup some pączkis today.
For those in Central Ohio, Columbus' Wolf Ridge Brewing host a Paczki Day on March 1. Local spots like Buckeye Donuts, My Old World Bakery and Rose Dough Donuts.
New Orleans Meal
If you looking for more than a sweet treat to celebrate Mardi Gras, then head out for New Orleans-inspired cooking. In Columbus, Lafayette, Louisiana Chef Henry Butcher serves up authentic Creole food at Creole Kitchen. You can also check out Way Down Yonder for those traditional New-Orleans dishes. Or partake in La Chatelaine's Mardi Gras Dinner that features a Hurricane drink, crawfish bisque, jambalaya and their King Cake.
For those up North, head to The Bourbon Street Barrel Room in Cleveland for authentic New Orleans cuisine. The restaurant opens at 11AM on March 1 (no reservations). If you want to give this Mardi Gras a little at-home DIY flavor, then stop by a seafood vendor in West Side Market and pick up some shrimp to make your own jambalaya or gumbo.
Photo credit: ele Cake Company, Facebook
King Cake
Finish your Mardi Gras celebrations with a slice (or two) of King Cake. The cake usually comes decked in the Mardi Gras colors of green, yellow and purple, but its the surprise inside that's the real treat. Usually, King Cakes "hide" a small figurine inside and whoever has the piece with it inside is crowned King for the day!
Grab a slice and see if you're the king at La Chatelaine or Resch's Bakery (where you can also pick a a Mardi Gras inspired cake and pączkis too). If you'd prefer a whole cake, then Dayton bakery ele Cake Co is the place to go! Or stop by The Original Goodie Shop (Tremont Goodie Shop) in Upper Arlington.
For an extra treat, pick up some Kings Cake shortbread cookies from Deez Cookies in Columbus.
Let the good times roll this Mardi Gras and celebrate with Ohio's New Orleans-inspired treats.
For more foodie fun, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
*Hero photo credit: Rudy's Strudel and Bakery, Facebook
