Doing the Mardi Gras Thing Here Along the Stateline

This is not New Orleans or even Mobile for that matter. Only about 1000 miles removed. But, nonetheless, we still are able to have our own facsimile of the celebration.

PJ'S COURT HOUSE INN in Sycamore, Illinois, has its Crawfish Festival complete with beads, Cajun food, New Orleans drinks and drink specials and, the Dekalb Footstompers, not your usual band. They have it the Saturday before Mardi Gras.

HOGS AND KISSES in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has their Mardi Gras Blow Out the Sunday before Mardi Gras. Complete with Cajun food, drink specials and a band. They have had Cajun and blues bands.

POPEYE'S in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. (Not the chicken chain) Enjoy some fine New Orleans style food with that fantastic view of the Riviera Docks, ice fishermen on Geneva Lake, and all the nautical decor you can handle. Today, they had Bayou Pork and garlic mashed potatoes for $3.99 and a heaping bowl of shrimp jambalaya for $4.99. Add their famous cheddar broccoli soup and roll for $2 and you have a great meal.

DONOVAN'S REEF in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin-- Beads and $2 domestic bottles and $1.50 domestic pints during Happy Hour. Fifty cents more otherwise. Solemn "Beading ceremony."

Recipients bow head, beads places on neck with the words, "You have been beaded. Go forth and Par-Tee!!"

O'LEARY'S in Ringwood, Illinois-- Found this one by accident on our way to Woodstock yesterday. Joy, the owner, had ordered a $50 King Cake from New Orleans and it was the best I've ever had, even if we didn't get the baby. No luck for us,but at least we don't have to get the one for next day. Also, free jambalaya and gumbo, as well as $2 bottles of Miller products and $4 Hurricanes.

Weren't There, But Still Had a G-o-o-d Time. --RoadDog