The Hitt List: My Mardi Gras Picks
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 is Mardi Gras. Here’s my picks of some fun events happening over the next few days in Honolulu to celebrate this party holiday. Bright colors, sequined attire, masks, lots of beads and Samba dancing is necessary.
1. Can’t get out on a Tuesday night? Visit the sleek Pearl Ultralounge Friday, February 20 for F&M’s Mardi Gras Party. There will be free Mardi Gras makeovers, live body painting and, for the first 100 people, free beads! 21 and over, stylish attire. Free cover before 9 p.m., $10 until 10 p.m., $15 after. Wear Mardi Gras attire to get in for $5 all night. Ala Moana Center, Hookipa Terrace. For more information, visit flashandmattyboypresent.com
2. From February 20 to 24, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is bringing a taste of New Orleans to all five of its Island locations with a dinner for two priced at $125 (excluding tax and gratuity). Red beans and rice, shrimp remoulade, New Orleans-style barbequed shrimp, andouille sausage gumbo, Cajun ribeye and French Quarter Snapper etouffe with a crawfish etouffe sauce are just a few of the tasty items on the menu. If that isn’t enough, there’s even dessert! Call for reservations. Restaurant Row (808) 599-3860, Waikiki Beach Walk (808) 440-7910, Lahaina Center (808) 661-8815, The Shops at Wailea (808) 874-8880, and The Shops at Mauna Lani (808) 887-0800.
3. Nuuanu Avenue, of course. This year’s street festival will feature four stages, for such performances as New Orleans’ Delta Skelta with guests David Choy, on saxaphone, and trumpeter, DeShannon Higa. Indigo, Brassiere Du Vin, Murphy’s Bar & Grill and other restaurants around Chinatown will dish out New Orleans inspired food. Floats will parade down the street with dancers, and there will even be a costume contest. I wouldn’t miss it! February 24, 2009, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Free.
4. Once you’ve had your fill of the Nuuanu street carnaval outside, go inside The Loft Lounge to continue your night till 2 a.m. in Brazil. There will be a 5-piece samba reggae band and a DJ Trigo will be spinning Brazilian rhythms. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., The Loft Lounge, 115 N. Hotel St., Honolulu. (808) 521-8008
