Mardi Gras in Chicago

February in Chicago may not necessarily allow for a week's worth of street parties and flamboyant parades like the winters of New Orleans, but on Fat Tuesday, when thousands pour into the streets - drink in hand - to celebrate the end of Mardi Gras in the Big Easy, Chicagoans gather in crowded bars and pile into Creole-inspired eateries on Pancake Day, February 16^th to celebrate Mardi Gras, Chicago-style.

Centered around the cuisine of Louisiana and galvanized by the happy-to-celebrate-anything attitude of many locals, Chicago festivities range from the traditional French flavors and decor of Marche to the more laid back fun of the 2^nd annual Bead Quest Mardi Gras Pub Crawl (Feb. 20^th) beginning and ending at Murphy's Bleachers in the Windy Cities' Wrigleyville neighborhood (3655 N. Sheffield Ave.). Collect nine numbered, beaded necklaces along the crawl's nine pub route and enter yourself into a raffle for exciting prizes. Don't forget to stick around for karaoke after 10PM where they will announce the raffle winners in between the cities finest amateur crooners. Ticket prices range from $14 to $20 depending on purchase date. (http://www.festaparties.com/beadquest-pub-crawl-tickets.html)

If you're budget-minded and desire a more family friendly New Orleans' dining experience, stop into Hyde Park's newly opened The Big Easy (1660 E. 55th St.). From appetizers like New Orleans Gumbo at just $4.95 to Bourbon Street Stuffed Jambalaya for under $15, the prices and experience may hit the right spot, and that craving for a taste of the famous NOLA experience.

While we all can't take a trip down south to the real deal in New Orleans, we can certainly be there in spirit. In the warmth of good food and good friends - and unique American tradition - Chicago has its own take on Mardi Gras. And it's a place where anyone of us can be a Louisianan for a day.