Past Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans (Photo courtesy of New Orleans Visitors Bureau)
So glad to about to turn the calendar to February. On the horizon there is:
- Chinese food to order in or eat out for Lunar New Year beginning Feb. 10 and celebrated most of the month.
In the Chicago area there are a couple of dragon parades and other events on Argyle and in Chinatown.
2. We have Super Bowl Sunday to nosh through as we watch and rate the commercials Feb. 11. Some interesting ads are already out on U Tube. See more football info at NFL LVIII.
3. We get to try cajon and other Louisiana or Rio delicacies for Mardi Gras, Feb. 13 before Lent begins. Mardi is French for Tuesday and Gras means fat but the French reverse the order so Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday.
4. Of course there is Valentines Day flowers, cards and candy to get or send on Feb. 14. But this is a holiday to eat out at a romantic or fun restaurant.
The Chicago area has hundreds of restaurant choices so if not sure where to go, visit Choose Chicago. The city’s tourism site has compiled some suggestions. It includes two old favorites, Mon Ami Gabi. and Geja’s Cafe, (fondu). Supposedly the holiday’s origins began in Roman times and continued in England with the Legend of St. Valentine but it has become a Hallmark holiday.
Jodie Jacobs