Doing Mardi Gras right in Dallas Fort Worth

by Teresa Gubbins

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Baubles, bangles, and beads.

Looking for Mardi Gras events in 2012? Click here.

As it usually does, this year's Fat Tuesday happens to fall on a Tuesday. But the more significant aspect is that it falls on March 8 -- rather late in the year. (In 2010, it fell on February 16.) Mardi Gras New Orleans says it can fall on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9. The FWST says that the next time it will come this late is 2038, when it will fall on March 9.

Anyway, this being Tuesday, you're in the right place at the right time to find out how to celebrate Mardi Gras in D-F-W:

There's lots to like about the Mardi Gras Boogie Bash at Nate's Seafood & Steakhouse: It starts nice and early at 11 a.m., and it's at Nate's, known for its authentic New Orleans food. If you want to do it Louisiana-style, this is the place.

The organizers of the 2011 Lake Dallas Mardi Gras Celebration promise their event surpasses all others, and it sure does: It features a Big Easy-style parade that rolls down the streets of Lake Dallas and The Nawlins Gumbo Kings headlining the evening's entertainment. Contests include a youth Mardi Gras mask contest and a Mardi Gras costume contest that's open to all ages.

The Fat Tuesday Party at Brownstone includes a special 3-course Fat Tuesday dinner for $30, with cheap-cheap drinks -- $4 Hurricanes, $4 Hand Grenades, $4 Sazerac -- and the spinning skills of DJ Ryan Vaughn.

At RA Sushi, their Fat Tuesday Party is called "Mardi RA." It begins with a Happy Hour, has specials on exclusive Mardi Gras-themed food and drinks, and offers free masks and beads. The Fat Tuesday menu will be available one night only.