Holy Mardi Gras

Last night I was invited to join a bizarrely electric and rather large group of people at Arnaud's French 75.  With the exception of Remoulade, Arnaud's casual dining restaurant on Bourbon Street, I've never been to either the namesake restaurant of the delightfully fancy bar. Curiousity was piqued, I couldn't resist the temptation. Let me begin by saying that French 75 is much, much smaller than I had ever imagined. In this case, the small size contributed nicely to the atmosphere. Stepping into this bar is like entering another era. I kept expecting a leggy flapper to fall across my lap and offer me a cigar.  I had to remind myself several times that cigar smoke doesn't mix well with my constitution as my fingers longingly grazed the leather bound cigar menu.

As delicious as the drinks were, what impressed me most about Arnaud's was not actually in the bar. The restaurant and French 75 bar are housed in the same building. On the second floor of the building is a museum. I haven't been to many restaurants or bars that have a museum attached (although you could argue that we've all been to a museum with an adjoining restaurant). But even if I had, this museum would take the cake. The Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum is a tribute to three generations of women who reigned as queens of more than 22 Mardi Gras parades between 1941 and 1968. As I made my way around the museum I kept trying to imagine the time and cost invested in these gowns. The beading on each one is incredibly elaborate. Some of the trains are lined in fur. The tiaras are breathtaking. The beauty and decadence that is exhibited in these gowns is mind blowing. I'd highly recommend a visit.