Mardi Gras in L.A.

Larry and Ellen at the Farmers Market Mardi Gras - 2006

This weekend was the 18th annual Mardi Gras celebration at the Original Farmers Market. Luckily, the weather was good for this outdoor fest. Larry and I have attended the F.M. M.G. for almost all of it's existence. We always have a great time and it's a major photo opportunity for Mr. Larry! One of these days, all 18 years of these Mardi Party Pics should go into a book.

The celebration is a two-day affair. The Gumbo Pot Restaurant (under previous owner, Charles Myers) initiated the party. Charles used to be the chef at Kokomo Restaurant too. Now he lives in San Luis Obispo and owns another restaurant called Big Sky Cafe. We've visited the Big Sky and Charles has many of the same items on his menu there that he served at the original Gumbo Pot Restaurant.

The tradition that Charles started lives on and is a huge event for the Market. The Market management adds to the merriment and throws Mardi Gras beads at intervals to all of the party people. This year, there were numerous bands performing: T-Lou and his Super Hot Zydedo Band, Lula and Afro Brasil, Lisa Hayley and the Zydekats and Eddie Baytos and the Nervis Brothers. I think this must be one of the most authentic Mardi Gras celebrations in this part of the country. People dress up in costumes, wild hats and carry parasols. Everyone always has a wonderful time.

This year much emphasis was placed on our friends in New Orleans and their abbreviated celebration. I hope that the Mardi Gras brings people back to N.O. Everyone has suffered so much in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, that the City needs some cheer.

My doctored-up, self-decorated Entemann's King Cake

See you next year at the Mardi Gras! Laissez Le Bon Temps Roulez....Let the Good Times Roll!