Mardi Gras at the Rum Bar

The Rum Bar has one of our favorite menus in the city, and we can’t think of a friendlier place that channels New Orleans’ passion for food and flavor. Stop by for Happy Hour this coming Tuesday to see steel drummer Kristian Paradis take the floor. Mardi Gras drink specials featuring Cruzan Rum will start at 6 PM, with $1 from each Cruzan drink sold will going towards New Orleans’ St. Bernard Project, a charity that reconstructs homes in the city’s 9th Ward. Tonight, owner Adam Kanter and his staff celebrate their two year anniversary with $2 drink specials, DJ Natev, and giveaways. The party kicks off at 20th and Walnut at 9 PM.

We highly recommend the Walnut Street Hurricane or—if you’re in a true Cajun mood—the Chili Coriander Mojito, made with a red chili pepper infused rum. Have trouble holding your liquor? Then take advantage of Executive Chef Patricia Galer’s seductive menu. The Jamaican beef patties, Bahamian conch fritters, and chorizo corn dogs offer smaller bites packed with flavor. Hungrier? Although Galer creatively matches seasoned meats and vegetables on every plate (gazpacho is available for vegetarians), our favorite dish is the seared diver scallop with sweet potatoes served in a tasty rum-reduction sauce.

Image Credit: Flickr user randal-schwartz