Mindy Kobrin with Chef Daniel Boulud on MoJo TV

I joined Chef Daniel Boulud, chef-owner of some of the country’s finest restaurants, author of numerous cookbooks and creator of gourmet products, for a week long New Orleans culinary celebration on his television show After Hours.

Chef Daniel Boulud hit the road and took his exclusive New York dinner parties to New Orleans. Feting celebrities from shows Law & Order and Mad Men, famous local chefs including Susan Spicer, Frank Brigtsen, Tory McPhail, John Besh, Scott Boswell, Donald Link, and your very own Celebration Expert-Mindy Kobrin, his select guests, dinner menu, conversations and flow of wine made the vibe distinctly After Hours. Stay tuned for the April air date on MoJo HD.

Mardi Gras Revelers

In a town known for its music clubs, all-night bars and liberal public-drinking policy, Mardi Gras is the party that tops them all. As New Orleans continues to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, its spirited residents and visiting revelers find ample reason to celebrate—proving that even one of America's worst natural disasters couldn't spoil the fun. Decadent eats and French Quarter charm reigned supreme as we thoroughly embraced the lifestyle of the Acadian people and culture—Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler! The love, spirit and music of New Orleans embraced each one of us and earned us the Authentic Cajun Certificate!

And they’re off…It’s Carnival time. As the trumpet marks the beginning of a race, music marks the beginning of Carnival. The party mood continued as we all watched pre-Mardi Gras krewes parade down St. Charles Avenue with terrific “throws” of beads, cups and doubloons of every color and size. Some of the highlights were marching bands strutting their stuff and the Jefferson City Buzzards—one of the oldest and most respected walking clubs, the Buzzards have strolled the streets on Mardi Gras since 1890. Dressed in traditional satin-and-sequined Carnival regalia, they made the party come alive.

Adding to the “spirit” were the cocktail concoctions of my new friends, Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan, the cocktail divas. From their Adelaide Swizzle to their Tequila Mockingbird II their sassy charm made our visit memorable.

Cheers to Mardi Gras!