CLEVELAND — Mardi Gras is a holiday celebrated around the world, with some of the biggest celebrations happening in the Gulf South and New Orleans.
Contrary to popular belief, Mardi Gras is often celebrated longer than just for one day, with many areas celebrating for a week or more.
Lundi Gras is the day before Fat Tuesday, and then the day following is Lent.
Fat Tuesday is a day of indulgence before Lent begins. Many areas celebrate Fat Tuesday with big parades, tasty food and drinks.
In northeast Ohio, the Bourbon Street Barrel Room brings some of these traditions to the midwest on Fat Tuesday.
Michael Dickerson, a line cook at Bourbon Street Barrel Room, explained that for their restaurant, which is located in Cleveland, Fat Tuesday is by far their busiest day of the year.
“It’s going to be a lot; this is just the beginning,” Dickerson said, while making some jambalaya. “They come in early on Fat Tuesday. It’s like St. Patrick’s Day, almost. They’ll be lined up.”
The restaurant has to start prepping for this holiday several days in advance.
They said they had to order more ingredients for their dishes than they normally would due to the influx of customers.
Bourbon Street Barrel Room is typically closed on Tuesday but they will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for Fat Tuesday.
As they say in New Orleans, laissez les bons temps rouler or let the good times roll.
