Houston’s Historic Manor House Gets a Worthy Mardi Gras Bash In Just Before the Deep Freeze
Beads, Double Masks, French 75 Cocktails and King Cakes Too
By Shelby Hodge //
Photography Daniel Ortiz
There were beads, music and masks and more masks as guests at The Houstonian’s historic Manor House celebrated Mardi Gras at a socially-distanced soirée Saturday, the night before Houston’s temps tumbled. Consider the fashion statement of carnival masks on top of COVID masks.
The very un-merry Mardi Gras accessory failed to dampen spirits as legendary Leo “The Voice” Polk and the Vincent Gross Trio revved things up with the lively sounds of New Orleans jazz greats. Polk toured for years with B.B. King, played with Motown artist David Ruffin and portrayed “Satchmo” in Sweet Lorraine off-Broadway.
Mardi Gras beads for all, purple, green and gold decor, and French 75 cocktails stirred and shaken by Houstonian sommelier Dat Le contributed to the party that rocked only 24 hours before the state’s bitterest cold front in history.
Even the menu in the hands of Houstonian executive chef Neal Cox and Manor House chef Roland Soza saluted NOLA heritage. Lick your lips for this yummy party fare: a Crawfish Terrine Chicory Salad with Ravigote Dressing with a perfect Pimm’s Cup, Pecan Crusted Rainbow Trout with Jumbo Blue Crab Corn Maque Choux and Meuniere Sauce with a classic Brandy Crusta cocktail, Creole Beef Wellington with Smoked Oysters, Crawfish Sauce and Bourbon Peppercorn Demi with a traditional Sazerac cocktail, and White Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding with Pecan Praline Ice Cream and a New Orleans favorite, Milk Punch.
The party spread across all three of the chic Manor house’s dining rooms, insuring that guests wined and dined within a safe distance of one another.
Taking a bit of the festivities home, guests departed with petite King Cakes, created in The Houstonian‘s pastry kitchen.
Holiday Decor
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