"Taste of Mardi Gras" Returns Next Month

The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Cenla Chapter’s annual Carnival party, “Taste of Mardi Gras,” (TOMG) will be held Friday, February 9, 2018 at the Alexandria Riverfront Center, 707 Main Street, 7 p.m. to midnight. (Special VIP entry is at 6 p.m.)
 
A party not to be missed, it will feature “tastes” of the best restaurants in central Louisiana and entertainment by Stormy and the Cenla Brass Band. A cash bar will be available all evening.
 
“Taste of Mardi Gras has become one of Alexandria’s most anticipated events,” said LRA Cenla Chapter President Scott Laliberte, director of operations for The Diamond Grill, The Mirror Room and The Bentley Room Restaurant. “We like to think of it as a Mardi Gras ball for those who don’t belong to a krewe. It is a wonderful party the whole family can enjoy, with fantastic food and entertainment, all for great causes.”
 
Last year’s event boasted 24 restaurants and vendors and more than 1,500 revelers in attendance. This year, enjoy tasty creations from Clay’s BBQ, The Diamond Grill, The Bentley, Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar and many more!
 
A portion of the proceeds from TOMG benefit the LRA Cenla Chapter’s annual LRA Education Foundation (LRAEF) goal. The LRAEF, in turn, will use monies raised to further promote the restaurant industry as a career choice through its restaurant management and culinary arts program, ProStart®, offered at Leesville High School and Natchitoches Central High School. It will also enhance the restaurant community through expanded educational and career opportunities, including the LRA Cenla Chapter Scholarship. The Children’s Miracle Network will also receive a portion of the proceeds.
 
Sponsors for the 2018 TOMG include: Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Cleco, Jena Choctaw Pines Casino and Southwest Beverage Company.
 
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased in advance at $25 for adults and $10 for children 10 years and younger. New this year: a limited amount of VIP tickets are available for $60 per person and include reserved seating and early admission at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.LRA.org or at the following locations in Alexandria:

• Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, 707 Second Street (cash and credit cards only)
• Atwood’s Bakery, 1125 MacArthur Drive (cash only)
• Critic’s Choice, 415 Murray Street and 5208 Rue Verdun (cash only)

 
At the door the night of the event, general admission tickets increase to $30 for adults and $15 for children.
 
Reserved VIP Tables are also available in advance for $400, which includes reserved seating for eight and early admittance at 6 p.m. and can be purchased online at www.LRA.org. For forms to reserve your table(s), be a sponsor and/or be a vendor, contact LRA Cenla Chapter Member Services Coordinator Angela Martin at amartin@lra.org or (318) 366-1326.
 
For other Alexandria Mardi Gras events, visit www.alexandriapinevillela.com/mardigras. 
 
Note: Valid ID is required for alcohol purchase/possession/consumption. No outside food, beverages or ice chests allowed.