You’re probably not going to be able to fly all the way out to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras this year, but that doesn't mean you can't get a taste of Creole cooking right here in the Old Pueblo. Both The Parish and Kingfisher are offering special menu events on Tuesday, Feb. 9, serving up some of the region's most iconic dishes such as gumbo, beignets, jambalaya and a full crawfish boil.

Over at The Parish (6453 N. Oracle Road), the restaurant's regular Southern offerings will be expanded to include a crawfish boil. Starting at 2 p.m. on Mardi Gras, Cajun fare and a whole lot of crawfish will be available with drink and food specials and live music in a range of genres including zydeco, Americana, blues, rock, funk and soul. Cover for the event is $10. Reservations are not necessary.

And, for its 22nd year, Kingfisher (2564 E. Grant Road) will also be serving up a taste of Louisiana courtesy of chef Jim Murphy of Kingfisher. The special Mardi Gras menu will be served up a la carte from 5 until 11 p.m. and will include the following:

• Baked Oysters “Storyville”: champagne, crabmeat, cayenne, crème fraiche, Parmesan cheese (5) - $15 
  
• Old N’awlins Seafood Gumbo:  shrimp, oysters, seafood, crawfish, Cajun mirepoix, okra, andouille sausage, scallions, Texmati rice, dark brown roux - bowl  $16, cup $9 
  
• Cajun Red beans and Texmati Rice with Andouille Sausage - appetizer $8, dinner $15 
  
• Shrimp, Andouille Sausage and Tasso Ham Jambalaya:  garlic, scallions, sauce piquant, Tasso, shrimp, Cajun mirepoix, Texmati rice -  appetizer $9, dinner $19 
  
• Deep Fried Cornmeal Crusted Catfish:  Texmati rice, honeyed carrots, sauce Remoulade - $18 
  
• Flaming Bananas Foster: brown sugar, banana liquor, rum, oranges, cinnamon, sweet cream butter, bananas, vanilla ice cream - $15 
  
• New Orleans King Cake - $6 
  
• Beignets - $8 
  
• New Orleans Bread Pudding with warm whiskey custard sauce - $7.50
  

Drinks for the Kingfisher event will include New Orleans favorites, such as Hurricanes, Sazeracs and a selection of Louisiana brews like Dixie Lager and Abita Turbodog. Live performances from The Old Pueblo Jazz Band and Dr. Mojo and the Zydeco Cannibals will keep guests entertained at the special Mardi Gras event. Reservations are strongly suggested, and you can make yours by calling 323-7739.