"You can actually make a reservation at Toups' in Mid-City for Fat Tuesday, so all you’ll have to worry about on Mardi Gras is how many plates of togarashi-covered crispy pig ears you’re going to eat. They do excellent preparations of parts of the animal that you might’ve never had before, like sow ears, hog’s head cheese, and lamb neck. Start with the Meatery Board—it’s basically a charcuterie spread but with lots of Cajun items, so it’s a fun way to try a lot of the menu. " - megan braden perry