Clockwise from top left: Will Montague; courtesy of Sucre; Berit Baugher; courtesy of Tops Malibu.
New Orleans is in the swing of celebration season and don't we wish we were all there together? Though it's a little late to book a flight down South, we can still party with the best of them. Gather up a few friends and a fistful of disposable beads. A laissez les bons temps rouler attitude and a few more finds are all you need to throw a New Orleans-style jazz brunch.
Set the Mood
First thing's first, a jazz brunch calls for majorly good tunes – of the toe-tappin', head noddin' variety.
The Big Easy is brimming with culinary talent and attracts many of the world's best chefs. Plan a Southern-inspired menu with their help.
My New Orleans, The Cookbook by John Besh Price: $38 Available at:amazon.com
Crescent City Cooking: Unforgettable Recipes from Susan Spicer's New Orleans Price: $26 Available at:amazon.com
Cooking Up a Storm: Recipes Lost and Found from The Times-Picayune of New Orleans Price: $19 Available at:amazon.com
Gumbo: A Savor the South Cookbook by Dale Curry Price: $14 Available at:amazon.com
Break Bread
Italian charcuterie, cheese, and a tangy olive salad piled onto a giant round loaf of Italian bread. Delicious. Recreate the ultimate New Orleans sandwich at home.
Gambinos's Muffuletta Loaf Price: $25 Available at:gambinos.com
Central Grocery Olive Salad Price: $23 Available at:amazon.com
Cover the Classics
It's hard to go wrong with a big bowl of red beans and rice. Simmer a pot of Camellia red kidneys (a Gulf Coast staple that dates back 80 years) and serve it over white rice.
Pull out anything and everything you own in purple, green, and gold. Add a mask or some beads for extra pizzazz, and then protect your ensemble with a ticking stripe apron made by New Orleans local Juley Lee.
The preferred confection of Mardi Gras season. Sucre's is a refined version of the traditional Danish-like pastry. One lucky reveler will find a tiny plastic baby in their slice; next year's cake is on them!
