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JAN/FEB 2024

WOVEN IN LOVE YOUNG COLLING

WELCOME TO YOUR HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

'ROUND THE TOWN

DATE NIGHT DELIGHT

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Jan/Feb 2024

Photography By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel

CONTENTS

16 THE ABSOLUTE AGENDA

Devour, imbibe, play! Explore the best of the region's "hottest" wintertime happenings.

TO YOUR HEALTHY 20 WELCOME NEW YEAR!

In this Q&A, Coach Charity and Coach Devin of DFI Amplified Wellness offer suggestions for a new year of healthier living.

26 WOVEN IN LOVE

Are wedding bells chiming in your new year?

Young Colling welcomes you to Marie Gabriel Bridal for an unrivaled modern shopping experience.

35 DATE NIGHT DELIGHT

At Anthony's Chophouse, refined elegance meets with unparalleled dining. Perfect for that special date night.

40 'ROUND THE TOWN

Museums provide a perfect combination of creativity and culture. This month we feature our favorite local spots, from historical artifacts to classic memorabilia and renowned artwork.

MARDI GRAS LIKE A 45 CELEBRATE LOCAL IN NOLA

In New Orleans, Carnival celebrates community.

We'll take you there!

Volume 17. Issue 01. (#190)

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Absolute Living

Editor-in-Chief EDUARDO PEÑA

Managing Editor JUSTYNA PEÑA

Assistant Editor MATTHEW HUME

Writer SUSAN SALAZ

Photography GABRIELLE CHEIKH NOEL JES NIJJER

Graphic Designer NICO PEÑA

Social Media Specialist CHRISTIAN PEÑA

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The

Absolute

Living

AGENDA

By Susan Salaz

January/February

Select restaurants throughout the Indianapolis area devourindy.com

February 9-10 Winter Woodlands and the Winterfest Craft Beer Festival Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center drinkin.beer

February 9-10 Carmel Winter Games The Ice at Carter Green theiceatcartergreen.com

For two weeks every winter, foodies have the chance to indulge in special three-course meals from more than 100 restaurants around town. Some of our favorites include The Fountain Room in Bottleworks, Vivante at Hotel Carmichael, Diavola in Broad Ripple and 101 Beer Kitchen in Fishers and Carmel.

Join the Brewers Indiana Guild for the 15th Annual Winterfest to sample beers and ciders from the best Hoosier breweries. This year, an upscale VIP event inspired by nature will be held the night before, where guests can enjoy libations with the smooth jazz infusion from the band Premium Blend.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a Hungry Hippo, then the Carmel Winter Games are for you. Recruit a team and sign up for a weekend of fun, including the HeroOlympics, Ice Trike Relays, Human Curling and Human Hungry Hippos— all on the ice.

January 22 - February 4 Devour Indy Winterfest

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March 8 Taste of Carmel 502 East Event Center tasteofcarmelindiana.com

February 9-11 Spring Home & Outdoor Living Show Grand Park Events Center suburbanindyshows.com

February 15-19 National Basketball League AllStar Weekend Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center nba.com

Explore the latest design trends, home improvement tips and garden maintenance practices while learning from local experts and connecting with area artisans at the Suburban Indy Home & Outdoor Living Show. The Spring Marketplace features gifts, home décor and an indoor plant section so you can easily enhance your living space.

All-Star Weekend is back in Indy and jam-packed with fun. From the rising stars to celebrities, this weekend has something for everyone. Fans can watch their favorite players practice, cheer for the best basket at the dunk contest and enjoy interactive exhibits for the whole family at the NBA Crossover.

February 15 Be My Valentine Date Night Cooking Class A Cut Above Catering acutabovecatering.com Try something new for Valentine’s Day with a Date Night Cooking Class. Chef Amy kicks things off with lovely appetizers and the engaging preparation of a threecourse meal. Other classes include Asian Dumplings on February 29 and A Night in Tuscany on March 7, with more throughout the year.

February 27 – March 3 Mamma Mia! Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University butlerartscenter.org Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with laughter and music as Mamma Mia! takes the stage at Clowes Hall. This beloved musical, set to the iconic songs of ABBA, is a celebration of love and friendship and promises a toe-tapping, feel-good experience that will have you dancing in the aisles.

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Benefitting the Carmel Education Foundation, Taste of Carmel is Hamilton County’s ultimate indoor foodie experience, full of gastronomic delight showcasing the diverse and delicious flavors Carmel has to offer. This anticipated event features food and drinks from Grindstone on the Monon, Sun King Brewery, 101 Beer Kitchen and many more.

March 8-10 Kim Kassas Couture Trunk Show Marie Gabriel Bridal mariegabrielbridal.com Featured in this month’s cover story, Marie Gabriel Bridal presents the newest collection from iconic bridal designer Kim Kassas. The trunk will feature the Your Majesty collection, celebrating the philosophy of 'more is more' and capturing the true essence of royalty.

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By Matthew Hume

Welcome to Your Healthy New Year!

A Q&A with Charity Cummiskey and Devin Kent of DFI Amplified Wellness

P

erhaps you’re one of the millions of Americans who set a New Year’s resolution related to healthier living. Or maybe you’re

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among those who already think they’ve failed to keep that resolution. Either way, Coach Charity Cummiskey and Coach Devin Kent, co-founders and co-owners of DFI Amplified Wellness in Carmel, say that now is the time to take stock of your health.

Although they’re not in the practice of setting New Year’s resolutions themselves (instead they practice what they call a “continual improvement program”), their attitude towards healthy and adventurous living is heartily inspirational. With 55 marathons under Devin’s belt, and Ironman competitions, obstacle races, and more under Charity’s, these two powerhouses of healthy living are kicking obesity in the gut 1.What are your “top 3” suggestions for cultivating healthier living in the New Year?

as they work with their clients to help them regain their health and reach individualized long-term sustainable wellness goals. “We are the accountability partner for the many failed dieter that never had that partner,” says Coach Devin. Coach Charity adds that their business strives “to help people feel the best they can feel every day of their lives.”

In the spirit of better living in 2024, here are Coach Charity and Coach Devin’s suggestions for a year–and ultimately a lifetime–of healthier living.

Start now! Do something now that’s going to impact your long-term health. And eat real food–lean meat and lots of veggies.

Essentially, if you can’t pronounce the ingredient, you should minimize eating it.

And third, use your food as fuel. What we mean by this is that people eat for lots of reasons–stress, boredom, habit–but not many people pay attention to what their body needs from a caloric standpoint.

2. What are some tips for starting from scratch?

Get started by tracking what you eat.

Concentrate on higher protein intake, avoiding processed foods and sugar, and drinking enough water. A rule of thumb is to drink ½ your body weight (lbs.) in ounces of water each day.

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3. What advice do you have for people who see exercise as just another task for the to-do list?

4. What recommendations do you have for healthier and budget-friendly nutrition?

Find something that you enjoy, and find an accountability partner. Often, it’s a matter of shifting priorities. One recommendation we have for getting more exercise is to incorporate it into your routine. For example, do air squats while watching TV. It’s ten more minutes of exercise than you would have had.

Plus it creates a habit, and it’s something you can do with your kids or significant other! Another thing you can do is start a walking group with your neighbors. Go for a 30-minute brisk walk three days a week. Chit-chat, get caught up - and get your body moving.

We find that food preparation is a twobirds with one stone kind of thing. It saves you money–especially if you tend to eat out or order in a lot–and you can make it much healthier. The more you pay attention to what your body really needs, the healthier and more budgetfriendly your nutrition can be. Once you start counting calories, you hold yourself accountable to how many snacks you have or coffee drinks you spend money on in a week.

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5. What are some healthy alternatives to “cheat days”?

Basically, don’t let yourself cheat big. Find things you really enjoy that you can eat a little more of when you’re hungering for it. Instead of a sugary cake, try Greek yogurt with fresh fruit.

Whatever you do, you don’t want to allow yourself to slide back so that your cheat day is every day, and one year later you’re back to another resolution to eat clean.

6. What health trends are emerging in 2024?

This is big–all the weight loss shots and functional medicine clinics that are opening.

The FDA has approved injections that help with insulin resistance, which we think is a really good thing, but not as a lone tool for weight loss. It’s a good augmentation to a healthy diet and exercise plan, but just having an injection won’t help you. Once you go off of it, you’ll fail again if you don’t have the tools you need to stay on track.

Find DFI Amplified Wellness online at www.dfiamplifiedwellness.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ DFIAMPLIFIEDWELLNESS/. Join Coach Charity and Coach Devin and the growing DFI Amplified Wellness family for their Facebook Monthly Challenge Group!

7. February is Heart Month. What effect does our weight have on our cardiovascular health?

(Charity) I’ve been an ER nurse for 30 years, and I see how obesity directly impacts people’s health. It may not impact it today, but it has serious consequences down the road in terms of general health and cardiovascular health. Heart disease is the number one killer in the US, and maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing it.

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WOVEN IN LOVE Young Colling of Marie Gabriel Bridal

By Susan Salaz | Photography By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel | Artwork By Eduardo Peña

At its new location, Marie Gabriel Bridal unveils a tapestry of trousseau options and a dreamy shopping experience for today’s modern bride.

(promotional content)

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F

ounder and owner Young Colling vividly remembers thinking, “Imagine if we could do this,” as she dreamt up ideas for Marie Gabriel with her daughter, Anne-Marie, more than a decade ago.

Young had made a career in the bridal industry, working for a national retailer, when she moved to Indianapolis with her family in 2003. But even before that, she had a background in readyto-wear manufacturing in Hong Kong and Europe. “Ultimately, bridal was a culmination of everything I had done throughout my career, combining my interests in design, fabrics, retail and hospitality,” Young explains. The family has had ties to the fashion industry for generations, expanding even more with the marriage between Anne-Marie and Daniel Clará, son of Spanish bridal designer Rosa Clará, in Paris last summer.

Natural light floods the airy, open space, glinting across intricate beadwork and shimmering over endless lace and tulle lining the walls and windows. Standing three stories tall, this gorgeous bridal salon is heaven for the dress-obsessed, stocking over a thousand styles from iconic designers, bringing the best selection from around the world to local brides, whatever their style. The vision of Marie Gabriel has always been to bring a global perspective and European elegance to the Midwest, and in the new building, Young fuses her personal style and aesthetics while elevating her brand.

Expanded offerings beyond the original

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Marie Gabriel Couture now include Marie Gabriel Boho, Marie Gabriel Social, Lux to Go and an extensive alterations department on the third floor.

“We wanted to return to our roots and level up for our company and the bridal community,” says Young. Each of the additional boutiques under Marie Gabriel Bridal (MGB) brings an exceptional selection of designs, specifically with its customers in mind.

On the first floor, Marie Gabriel Boho offers a wide selection of free-spirited designers, including Rue de Seine, Bo & Luca, Vagabond Bridal, Chic Nostalgia and more for those with non-traditional, outdoor or romantic wedding vibes.

You’ll find Marie Gabriel Social here, too, introducing an unrivaled selection of mother’s gowns which are available to shop now by paid appointment with highly trained, experienced stylists. Marie Gabriel Couture, the brand customers have come to know and love, occupies the second level of the chic venue, featuring elegant, classic and traditional fashion from iconic designers, including Galia Lahav, Monique Lhuillier, Suzanne Neville, Katherine Tash and Rosa Clará (Anne-Marie’s mother-in-law and famed designer of her recent wedding wardrobe). The third floor is home to a highly skilled alterations team with over 50 years of combined bridal alterations experience.

For brides and their guests, MGB provides an unprecedented wedding dress shopping experience. White

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Marie Gabriel Bridal is a luxury destination bridal salon, home to Marie Gabriel Couture—an iconic wedding dress boutique catering to brides looking for classic, timeless and one of a kind gowns; Marie Gabriel Boho—a wedding boutique offering free-spirited brides more ethereal, bohemian and non-traditional wedding day options; and Marie Gabriel Social—bringing a luxury dress shopping experience to mothers of the bride and groom.

“I think working with family provides us a unique perspective on the entire bridal experience, something we’re then able to pass on to our brides and their families,” says Young Colling, who runs Marie Gabriel Bridal with her daughter Anne-Marie Colling, side by side.

leather couches allow family and friends to enjoy memorable moments and sweet reveals during private appointments with extensively trained stylists—knowledgeable of every dress and designer offered, along with awareness of the latest trends and an understanding of each bride’s personal preferences. “We’ve always had the best team of stylists and an unbeatable selection of bridal collections, and now we also have the most beautiful space to bring it all full circle. I am so very proud of what we’ve been able to build,” says Young.

She shares that 2023 was a special year, but she is excited for what 2024 will bring. Already, they have been honored to add Pallas Couture Privée to their collection and are especially excited to be one of the few bridal stores in the nation selected to carry Pnina Tornai’s first-ever collection available outside of Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. “For all of our ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ fans, these gowns are truly representative of Pnina’s famous style.” Trunk show events are also returning, giving brides an amazing opportunity to shop for their dream gowns with exclusive access to the latest collections and special request items by featured designers, well beyond the samples found in the store. Several

notable shows are approaching, with Rosa Clará Couture debuting their 2024 Collection in January (appointments to shop the full line are available January 19-28) and Monique Lhuillier with their Best of Bridal show in early February (appointments for this weekend show are available February 2-4). In addition, an alterations apprenticeship program is in the works, which will allow applicants to train alongside experienced couture seamstresses and begin a profession that is in high demand. “It’s always been a personal passion project of mine to provide women with an opportunity for career advancement and a chance to increase their financial standing regardless of their current situation,” says Young, eager to give something impactful back to the community.

Marie Gabriel Bridal is located at 5830 E. 86th Street in Indianapolis. For more information and event schedules or to request an appointment, visit mariegabrielbridal.com and follow @ mariegabrielcouturebridal, @mariegabrielbohobridal and @mariegabrielsocial on Instagram.

For a true destination bridal boutique, visit the newly opened Marie Gabriel Bridal, which offers the largest selection of gowns from more than 30 designers under one roof.

Designed with brides in mind, owner Young Colling says, “We wanted a modern space that also felt warm and welcoming and really allows the bride to be the focal point of the experience—a place that is beautiful and where brides can make memories with their friends and family.”

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The Shops at River Crossing (next to The Fashion Mall) • www.debrand.com • 317.669.0955

I gave these away as party favors at my wedding and 10 years later I still hear about how awesome they were !

for Call us or stop in on ti a private consulta our out to learn more ab s! event favor option

WHERE LOVE MEETS

~ ELEGANCE ~ CRAFTING YOUR PERFECT BRIDAL MOMENT! Visit our website for bridal inspiration & information.

hotelcarmichael.com/weddings

Artwork By Eduardo Peña

Photography Jes Nijjer

Date Night Delight

By Susan Salaz

Swing open the stately doors to Anthony’s Chophouse for an exquisite experience where refined elegance meets culinary artistry.

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tanding three stories tall where Main Street meets the Monon Trail in Carmel, a fantastic date night awaits at Anthony’s Chophouse. Led by owner Anthony Lazzara and Executive General Manager Colin Atterson, meticulous attention to detail distinguishes the restaurant in many ways, from service and atmosphere to food and drinks.

Last fall, we toasted the bar team, and while the bar program stands in a league of its own, so does the dining experience.

Executive Chef Aziz Mountassar, from Casablanca, Morocco, via France, says he was born into a family where love and respect for food were pillars— his grandfather was even a chef in the palace for the King of Morocco.

At Anthony’s, he incorporates French Moroccan cuisine into many of the dishes and pushes the boundaries well beyond traditional steakhouse fare. “Great cooking is a business of relationships,” he explains, adding that being a chef is almost like being a psychologist, requiring the ability to read and connect with each guest.

At Anthony’s, Chef Aziz ensures heavenly aromas and delectable flavors arrive perfectly and wow every sense.

While known for amazing steaks, this winter the bi-annual menu features many remarkable dishes. Start your meal with caviar, served fresh with

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Stoli Elite; oysters on the half shell, topped with horseradish mignonette, wasabi tobiko and charred lemon; or the A5 Marrow Bones, smoked and accompanied

by A-5 Miyazaki Wagyu Tartar.

Slow down and enjoy dinner course by course, starting with a bowl of lobster bisque or the Beet and Blue Salad—where colorful pickled beets mingle with hazelnut brittle and wasabi pearls, then shaved blue cheese dusts the top for a bright and rich flavor combination. New favorite entrees to try include sea scallops—served with a creamy butternut squash risotto and fresh black truffle, or the squid ink pasta—where a whole prawn crowns black noodles and a garlic wine tomato sauce, surrounded by shrimp and calamari. Combine sides of rainbow carrots, with ginger and rosemaryhoney syrup, or Chef’s aromatic sweet potato hash, topped with pepitas and the essence of maple syrup, chili powder and orange.

Be sure to complement your meal with a bottle of wine from Anthony’s award-winning list, featuring a rotating selection of boutique labels and a small family vineyard, and finish the evening with a classic dessert and aperitif—the perfect blend of sweet endings.

Anthony’s Chophouse is located at 201 W. Main Street in Carmel, Indiana. Visit anthonyschophouse. com for more information or reservations, and follow @anthonyschophouse on Instagram.

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By Susan Salaz

’Round the Town Curated Excursions – Your Mini-Guide to Nearby Museums

Step into our community's creative and cultural side this year with a tour of world-class museums. From historical artifacts to classic memorabilia and renowned artwork, explore our favorite spots for getting to know the world—and our own community—just a little bit more.

Museum of Miniature Houses 111 East Main Street Carmel, IN 46032 museumofminiatures.org

Small wonders make a big impact at the Museum of Miniature Houses in the heart of the Carmel Arts & Design District.

Inside this charming escape, a world of intricacy and imagination unfolds as you wander from room to room, viewing diminutive dwellings from every era, each meticulously furnished with impeccable attention to detail.

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Indiana State Museum 650 West Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 Indianamuseum.org

Explore the rich heritage and history of our Hoosier state at the Indiana State Museum, situated along the canal in downtown Indianapolis. Boasting diverse exhibits and interactive displays, here science and history converge while the past is brought to life with stories of pioneers, innovators and everyday citizens.

Hamilton County Museum of History 810 Conner Street Noblesville, IN 46060 Hamiltoncoinhs.com

Housed in the former Sheriff’s residence and jailhouse on the town square (built in 1875 and used until 1977), the Hamilton County Historical Society celebrates and preserves the area's past. Open on Saturdays only, visitors can tour the restored Victorian rooms, a research library and the jail cell that once held Charles Manson.

The Great American Songbook Foundation 1 Carter Green Carmel, IN 46032 thesongbook.org

A cultural affiliate to the Los Angeles-based Grammy Museum, The Great American Songbook Foundation (inside The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel) features a gallery of images and artifacts that take you back in time, preserving and commemorating the brilliant musicians and artists who have contributed to the rich legacy of our nation’s most enduring music.

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The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields 4000 Michigan Road Indianapolis, IN 46208 discovernewfields.org

Nestled within the majestic landscape of Newfields, the IMA’s collections span centuries and continents, showcasing masterpieces and allowing onlookers to view the ever-evolving artistic narrative. Beyond the gallery walls, art becomes an immersive experience, holding space throughout the grounds and gardens and through engaging events and programs.

Conner Prairie 13400 Allisonville Road Fishers, IN 46038 connerprairie.org

Known as Indiana’s Living History Museum, Conner Prairie offers a unique and immersive experience that transcends the confines of traditional museums. Visitors step back in time and into the shoes of those who forged our foundations, witnessing the past come to life through authentic re-creations of 19th-century American life and hands-on activities.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum 4790 West 16th Street Indianapolis, IN 46222 indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Since 1956, the IMS Museum has preserved the Indianapolis 500 and motorsports history through its growing collection. While the museum is under construction until 2025 in an effort to improve the guest experience and inspire future generations, visitors can still go behind the scenes with a Kiss the Bricks tour around the famous 2.5-mile oval.

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Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library 543 Indiana Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46202 vonnegutlibrary.org

Paying homage to one of the most celebrated and unconventional voices in American literature, the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is dedicated to the life and works of the iconic author and Indianapolis native. Beyond tangible relics, the museum serves as a cultural hub, hosting events, lectures, and discussions exploring the enduring relevance of Vonnegut’s work.

Indiana Medical History Museum 3270 Kirkbride Way Indianapolis, IN 46222 imhm.org

On the grounds of the former Central State Hospital in Indianapolis, the Indiana Medical History Museum is a captivating chronicle of healthcare and medical science. Explore the laboratories, examination rooms and teaching amphitheater to gain insights into the foundational and groundbreaking research conducted in a place that once served as an epicenter of medical research and education.

Eiteljorg Museum 500 West Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 eiteljorg.org

This museum serves as a bridge between the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples and the exploration of the American West. Through diverse programming and stunning collections, Native American artifacts, paintings and sculptures illuminate the beauty and complexity of cultures, while rotating exhibits capture the spirit of exploration, settlement and the evolving landscapes of the region.

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Celebrate

Mardi Gras

Like a Local in NOLA

By Susan Salaz

In New Orleans, Carnival is a community celebration. And you are invited.

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ardi Gras (French for “Fat Tuesday”) and the Carnival season is so much more than one night in New Orleans, Louisiana. Here, locals and visitors alike can enjoy weeks of festivities—from the Christian holy day of the Epiphany (January 6th) to the Tuesday night before Lent starts on Ash Wednesday (February 14th this year).

Parades, costumes and king cakes mark the season, where the only winter blues are found being played by the jazz musicians on corners throughout town.

Steeped in tradition, Mardi Gras celebrations date back to the 1700s and have been a tourist attraction since the beginning. Parties are held throughout the duration, but the best time to visit is the week leading up to Fat Tuesday. During this

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time, parades fill the streets, each operated by its own krewe, or social organization.

On the final day, the krewe of Zulu kicks off with a morning parade marked by lavish floats and a colorful honor guard known as Soulful Warriors.

Immediately following on a slightly different route, the krewe of Rex—one of the oldest Mardi Gras parade participants—features elaborate costumes and hand-painted floats.

As the spectacle continues, locals know these processions aren’t just for watching. Bring a bag and be sure to yell, “Throw me something, mister!” for a productive parade haul. While mainstay throws include beads, cups and candy, signature throws signify certain krewes, with the Zulu tossing hand-painted coconuts, Rex lobbing doubloons, Muses slinging shoes, and many

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more. Catching a throw is exciting stuff, so be sure to bring a bag to carry your new treasures home.

Resident revealers know to wear costumes, and you should, too. Anything goes at Mardi Gras, and the more extravagant, the better. Shiny fabric, bold patterns and traditional colors are always encouraged. Accessories should always include feathers, and beads are non-negotiable. Style is paramount, but under it all, comfort cannot be compromised, especially when it comes to footwear, because dancing and sight-seeing are a must during Mardi Gras.

Since it’s Fat Tuesday, feasting is a big part of the celebration, and New Orleans cuisine is full of Cajun and Creole specialties. The Court of Two

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Sisters is one of the most famous restaurants in the French Quarter, serving a live jazz brunch buffet and dinner that includes all the Southern favorites, from turtle soup to Louisiana puppy drum. Try Chef Meg’s King Cake ice cream or a Mardi Gras Sidecar cocktail from Commander’s Palace just a few blocks from the parade route.

Or let the shuckers entertain you at Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, a French Quarter icon where the locals eat all year long.

If you can’t make it for Mardi Gras, you can still experience the thrill anytime on the CITY of NEW ORLEANS riverboat Mardi Gras Jazz Brunch or at Mardi Gras World, an interactive tour taking you behind the scenes to see what it takes to bring the annual Mardi Gras season to life.

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