What's Happening In Washington, DC: January 18, 2016

February is right around the corner and whether or not you dress up, go wild, and join a Krewe, you can still find a bit of Nola in D.C. for your Mardi Gras fête. Stick with the folks who know it best, our own Cajun expats have a few things tucked up their sleeves, so as they say in New Orleans, "laissez les bon temps roulet cher!" For a more romantic February outing, consider a wine and chocolate event that will get your special someone in the right mood for romance. It's what's on the calendar this week in the District.

Mardi Gras Is on at Acadiana Tuesday, February 9
Head over to Acadiana, D.C.'s transplanted Louisiana style fish-house, to celebrate Mardi Gras. They're hosting a blow out bash on Tuesday, February 9 in the bar, lounge and patio areas (with heaters). Acadiana is doing Fat Tuesday right and serving signature carnival appetizers like mini muffalettas and deviled eggs with a live soundtrack played by a New Orleans-style jazz band. Head to the main dining room for food and drink specials and a full a la carte menu. Call (202) 408-8848 for more information.

Celebrity Chef David Guas Hosts Mardi Gras at both Bayou Bakery Locations Tuesday, February 9
New Orleans native, chef David Guas, is hosting two Louisiana-style parties on Tuesday, February 9, but it's the new Capitol Hill Bayou Bakery that's serving a special "Krewe de Roux" parade route feast. From 6 to 9:00 p.m., you can get your Cajun fix, choose three different dishes (jambalaya, crawfish Monica, andouille and shrimp gumbo) for $30 per person, and indulge in a lagniappe – complimentary pralines and slices of "BB" King Cake. For the "Krewe de Booze," local mixtress extraordinaire, Gina Chersevani, will serve a choice of three N'awlins-style sips for $25 dollars, or you can get three Abita drafts for $15—they go perfectly with complimentary oysters at the Rappahannock River Oysters raw bar. Kids 12-and-under eat free and there's a fun menu they'll actually eat. Tickets can be purchased online. Bayou Bakery in Arlington, VA will have its own menu, decorations, and more.

Blue Duck Tavern to Host Park Hyatt Winter Masters of Food & Wine
It's that time of year again when gourmands wait for the announcement of the winter Masters of Food & Wine events at Blue Duck Tavern. Saturday, February 6, the culinary celebration highlights the talents of local chefs, regional artisans, and sommeliers.  Newly appointed pastry chef, David Collier, and Blue Duck Tavern general manager and sommelier, Joseph Cerione, are hosting a tasting exploration of rich artisanal chocolates and bold wine pairings priced at $65 per person. The evening's event includes a tasting of four wines paired with four decadent chocolate treats, and guests will take home chocolates made by chef Collier; just in time for Valentine's Day.  This intimate event is limited to 14 guests and reservations are required.  

Summer Whitford is the D.C. Editor and a food, drink and travel writer at The Daily Meal. In addition to lifestyle topics, Summer also writes about culture and the arts at Woman Around Town. You can follow her on Twitter @FoodandWineDiva and on Instagram at thefoodandwinediva.