farmed and wild crawfish comes from Louisiana they are found in swamps, canals, irrigation ditches and wetlands, as well as farmed in rice paddies.
Part of what makes live crawfish boils harder to come by in the Tampa Bay area is that sourcing the crustaceans can be costly and time-consuming. Parsons says diners have been a mix of crawfish connoisseurs and first-timers. There’s nothing like standing around a long table shoulder to shoulder with friends and strangers, digging in with bare hands and making a complete and glorious mess of ourselves.Ĭhef Rick "Ricky P" Parsons hosts a crawfish boil the third Tuesday of every month at the Big Catch at Salt Creek in St. More importantly, crawfish boils are all about community and tradition. They are a harbinger of better times ahead - festivals, graduation parties and outdoor gatherings - before we all scramble back indoors to our cold drinks and air conditioning. In New Orleans, crawfish boils are ubiquitous this time of year - they mark the start of spring and taper off when hotter days begin knocking on our door. Out tumble fat links of smoky andouille sausage, plump potatoes, bright yellow ears of corn and - oh, I’m hungry. Someone hoists a large pot to the table and pours out a jumble of bright red crawfish glistening in boiling spices. Petersburg neighborhood and almost immediately I’m transported back to Louisiana, standing in front of a table covered in newspaper clippings. I’ll pass by a block dotted with the fragrant bush in my St. PETERSBURG - The smell of jasmine always reminds me of crawfish season. Don’t forget to order a slice of actual king cake, too if you find the baby in it, your dinner is free.ST.
#Tampa clawfish plus#
Grab two-for-one frozen cocktails during happy hour, including the new Moscow Mules and Hurricanes (which were originally made famous in New Orleans), plus king cake shots made with RumChata and Jack Daniels Tennessee Fire in an icing and sprinkles-rimmed glass. The NoLa-inspired restaurant features Cajun and Creole cuisine every day of the year, but for Mardi Gras they have a few extra tricks up their sleeves.
#Tampa clawfish mac#
The menu also consists of grilled sausage, king cake, mac n cheese, gator tail and more, as well as two drink tickets.
Rooster, followed by the chicken parade along 7th Avenue.įeaturing live music by the Brown Bag Brass Band and an expansive crawfish dinner, 3 Daughters Brewing will surely get you in the Mardi Gras spirit. Starting at 5:30 p.m., the event begins with a funeral wake to honor James E. This New Orleans style jazz memorial encourages patrons to travel through multiple Ybor establishments for Mardi Gras themed drink and food.
#Tampa clawfish upgrade#
A VIP upgrade is also available for easier concert viewing as well as access to an exclusive bar. Party with the true Mardi Gras experience, featuring live music from Gypsy Elise of New Orleans as well as beads, crawfish and masks.
to 3:30 p.m., as well as dancing to a polka band from 3 to 6 p.m. A Polish-platter dinner will also be served from 2:15 p.m.
Offering $3 Bud Lights, $4 360 Vodka and $2 Milagro, be sure to dress up in your most festive Mardi Gras outfit.Ĭome receive a Polish doughnut in celebration of Fat Tuesday. Doors open at 5PM.Ī comfortable space to work on a Mardi Gras-themed painting, take part in food and drink options with this artistic event. Other events such as a costume contest and prizes will be given out as well. With a wide array of games to play such as slots, roulette, blackjack and Texas hold’em, attendees will have a great evening of activities. Be sure to take your family and friends to these wonderfully vibrant events listed below.Ī themed event with formal attire required (and masks encouraged!), this night of food and dancing will serve a cocktail hour at 7PM and dinner at 8PM. From dance floors to casino nights and donuts to crawfish, there’s plenty to see and do during this year’s Mardi Gras inspired celebrations.