Can't make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? Just drive on over to Galveston.
At least that's what I did. Besides, after witnessing Hurricane Ike, I felt like I needed to celebrate the re-birth the island, too.
And people really did celebrate - even in the rain. I know some say that it wasn't quite as packed as other times, but others told me it was just different.
"Usually we're all crammed downtown to watch the parade. This year, because of the hurricane damage, we were along the Seawall so it was a little more spread out," said one parade watcher.
Of course, after the parade is over is when some of the real fun begins.
CELEBRATING AT THE MARDI GRAS BALL
Being a newbie, I had no idea what I should do for the parade. Do you line up down the streets? Is it like Bourbon Street and it's best to get a room with a balcony?
I soon discovered that you can do both. But the best place to see the Grand Night Parade is from the Hotel Galvez.
"This is our 24th Annual Ball. Usually it's at the Tremont House, but because of Ike damage, we decided to hold it here instead," said Christine Hopkins, who works as a representative for the hotel.
Hopkins said the Tremont had about three feet of water damage in the lobby area and is still being renovated. They decided Hotel Galvez would make a great alternative.
"This hotel was built in 1910 after the last big hurricane. It was built to show Galveston's resiliency to survive," said Hopkins.
If you haven't been to Hotel Galvez, it's beautiful. Located by the seawall, it was protected by the storm surge. In fact, they only had water damage in their lower level.
GOING ON AN AFRICAN ADVENTURE
Hotel Galvez went all out for the ball. The theme was African Adventure and everywhere you looked, there was something inspired by the theme.
There were lion statues at the valet, grass hanging from the light fixtures and masks strategically placed throughout the hotel. But everything was so tasteful, that I thought the hotel always looked like that (yes, I really do need to get out more).
"We usually have about 400 people at the ball and we're happy that the same number showed up this year," said Hopkins.
Yup, Mardi Gras was definitely alive and well at the hotel. But here was the question I was asking: What do you wear to a black tie African Ball?
"You can wear a long gown or you can come in costume," said Hopkins.
Wow...that's some range. But people took up the challenge.
I saw a few guys dressed up like they were going on safari, others had on colorful African smocks, and some were dressed like tribal leaders. I even saw a couple Egyptian inspired outfits.
DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE FOOD
The music was great, the costumes were spectacular, but the food was out of this world.
Executive Chef Jerry Helminski let his creative juices flow and developed an African inspired menu that included nearly 25 different items.
Some of them were: Egyptian Barmia (sweet & sour okra), Sebha del Hdaree (vegetable stew with dates and almonds), D'jej Emshmel (chicken with preserved lemon and olives), and Ghanmi Meshwi b'Matisha Mkalia (roasted leg of lamb with tomato chutney and pearl pasta).
If these don't sound familiar, don't worry. I had no idea what they were either, but I tried a little of everything and it was fabulous. My favorite was the vegetable stew with dates and almonds.
Helminski has been the executive chef at Hotel Galvez for the last two years, and had a lot of fun creating the menu.
He told me he's worked in a number of cities to get his chef experience, and enjoys living in Galveston. He says the only challenge is attracting people outside of Galveston to come to the island to visit.
"But once they come out and experience something like this event, I'm sure they be back again," said Helminski.
I agree. The food was great, the people were friendly...and I hear they have newly renovated spa rooms that could be perfect for a weekend getaway.
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