By Molly Sanchez
Say what you want about SF but we never miss an opportunity to party. Today may be dreary and grey and most of us are at work instead of flashing our sweater puppies for beads but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate Mardi Gras. Let’s flash our sweater puppies in spirit!
As most of you know Mardi Gras honors the great southern tradition of getting your ya ya’s out before the repentance and abstention of Catholic lent. I think that’s a message that can carry over regardless of religion or creed: let’s have one more night of craziness before we straighten up and fly right for a while. Let’s say no to the gym tonight and yes to some cocktails, let’s skip the kale and go for the King’s Cake! And then tomorrow we’ll all be very especially good, promise.
Parade
Is there anything San Francisco does better than a parade? The official Mardi Gras parade starts at 5 p.m. today and will wind its way from Place Pigalle in Hayes Valley to Brick and Mortar in The Mission. The procession will include musicians like Jazz Mafia, a Zydeco troupe, and likely tons of beads.
Happy Hour
Urchin Bistrot, one of The Mission’s swankiest bars, is hosting a happy hour with special Mardi Gras themed snacks. You can munch on chorizo and shrimp beignets while enjoying their happy hour specials which include $3 beers, $6 wine, and other cool food discounts. Listen y’all, it’s not called “Fat Tuesday” for nothing.
Block Party
It makes sense that SF’s jazziest neighborhood took it upon themselves to throw a New Orleans block party. The Fillmore is hosting a giant block party featuring stilt walkers, brass bands, and dancing. You can walk through for free but purchasing a $10 wristband will get you VIP access to the deals local restaurants will be offering throughout the night.
Rio Meets Mardi Gras
Want to double down on your holiday envy? Balancoire in The Mission is having a fusion Carnivale and Mardi Gras bash that focuses on their love of partying. Admission is free and the event will feature live samba music and specialty cocktails. Also keep in mind this bar gets its name from the rarely used swing that can descend from the rafters so fingers crossed that it will make an appearance at this show.
King’s Cake
King’s Cake (also alternately written as king cake or King Cake) is a Mardi Gras tradition that spans generations. The cake can range from dry to sweet and danish like with NOLA colored frosting. But what makes this treat stand apart is the baby hidden inside. Yes, a baby. A small toy baby is tucked into the cake and whoever finds it in their slice gets to be king or queen of the Mardi Gras party. And come on, searching for a royal baby in a piece of cake is not the weirdest thing you’ve done while drinking.
Arizmendi Bakery on Irving St. is known to serve up some good cake this time of year and the Just For You Cafe will be giving out a slice per table of their cake while it lasts.
Image courtesy of Flickr user, Mark Gstohl.
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