Who's that Kid with the Oreo Cookie?

Bayou Bakery's Paper Bag of Sweet Nostalgia

Over-the-top takes on childhood classics are all the rage right now.  Having an insatiable sweet tooth, I have tried a myriad of these inventions around DC, and while I have largely been impressed with the creativity and appearance, I am often disappointed by the flavor execution.  But last week, I sampled Bayou Bakery's take on the O-R-E-O and was more than pleased.

David Guas's Dat ‘O is a giant chocolate sandwich cookie, of both ample size--and sweetness--for sharing.  The rich chocolate cookies carry the buttery finish reminiscent of the original Nabisco varietal; the sugary, firm cream filling is slightly sweeter than the classic version, but is an apt contrast to the rich dark chocolate bookends.

The Dat 'O takes the Oreo idea to new heights, which is the reason for this post -- I know, my third on Bayou in the last six months.  And while I had no intention of reviewing Dat 'O, this sweet treat is worth the post and your trip to Arlington Courthouse.  Now if only Bayou would think about adding more treats to its sparsely populated dessert case!

Let the Good Times Roll: Mardi Gras in DC

Mardi Gras is quite the foodie holiday, bringing wanton gluttony to the winter doldrums. But unlike Thanksgiving, with its bounteous food, or St. Patrick's, with its free flowing libations, New Orleans-style Carnival celebrations can last several days, and hold claim to both good food and drink. 

DC offers some surprisingly authentic Mardi Gras options.  Below are the details on two of my past favorites as well as a new one this year.  And where will I  be spending the evening you ask? -- at a work training in Cleveland!  And not only in Cleveland, but out by the airport, so while the good times may be limited for me, Tuesday, March 8th should be a great time if you find yourself in the DC area.

In DC, Central's annual celebration runs from 5 - 10:30pm and includes live music from Laissez Foure, traditional New Orleans inspired food and cocktails (both areas where Central excels), and of course, beads and trinkets.

Over the bridge in Arlington, the local parade starts rolling at 8pm, bringing a tinge of the feeling you get when watching the parades roll by in the Big Easy ... less the open containers of course.  But the area around Wilson Boulevard has plenty of opportunities for both pre- and post-parade libations.

Ragtime is always a festive choice for Mardi Gras, with hurricane and cyclone specials and plenty of Cajun fare backed by live New Orleans style jazz from Le Bon Tempes Krewe.

Bayou Bakery is new to the mix this year but might well prove the most authentic for Mardi Gras food and drink with Louisiana native David Gaus serving up $7 "Chew Dat" specials (gumbo, jambalaya), as well as beignets and king cake from 5 - 10:30pm.  Wash it all down with Abita Amber available on tap.

Outside of New Orleans, DC is a pretty good place to be for Fat Tuesday.  Sigh... if anyone knows of celebrations in Cleveland, please let me know!