Community Corner
Laissez les bon temps rouler in Smyrna and Vinings
Smyrna-Vinings may be 500 miles away from New Orleans, but that won't stop local revelers from joining the party.
Fat Tuesday may not be till next week, but is kicking the festivities off Friday, Feb. 16 with its Mardi Gras Oyster Festival. The five-day festival features drinks, music and off course New Orleans seafood.
The party gets underway Friday with oyster specials and live music by Patrick Scott Band.
The party is kicked into high gear Saturday at 11 a.m. with a New Orleans style brunch and performances by Wesley Cook and Soul Hound. Saturday admission is $15 at the door, $10 in advance, and includes free admission Sunday.
Find out what's happening in Smyrna-Viningswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Sunday enjoy a cure-all brunch starting at 11 a.m. with a performance by Elizabeth Reece at 3 p.m.
Monday Atkins Park throws New Orleans-themed family day festivities including chef-prepared favorites from the Crescent City.
Find out what's happening in Smyrna-Viningswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The festival wraps up on Tuesday with beads, beer and a celebration worthy of the French Quarter including a performance by Andrew Black at 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the Mardi Gras Oyster Festival can be purchased online.
________________
Smyrna's newest restaurant brings a taste of the Big Easy to the Jonquil City just in time for Mardi Gras.
On the Bayou, located at 3120 South Cobb Drive , features New Orleans favorites like shrimp and oyster po-boys, boudin balls and gator bites. On the Bayou also serves up two types of gumbo, gumbo ya ya and chicken andoulle.
On the Bayou’s owner Kevin Rutley is a NOLA native who takes his food seriously, said Melissa Wilson, On the Bayou’s manager. Rutley only uses for fresh crab for the restaurant’s signature corn and crabmeat soup. It was always his dream to open a restaurant that featured the flavors of his hometown.
“He’s always owned this building,” said Wilson. “It’s been a few different things, but nothing has ever really taken off. He’s always wanted to own a little neighborhood restaurant and he said now is the time to do it. It’s just one of the things on his bucket list.”
On the Bayou is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., though the restaurant may extend hours soon.
________________
Around the corner is also gearing up for Mardi Gras. The Smyrna bakery is now taking orders for king cakes. McEntyre’s offers two king cake flavors: cherry, cream cheese and walnut or cinnamon walnut. Each cake has between 15 and 20 servings and comes with a king cake baby to hide inside. Each cake is baked fresh so orders must be placed 24 hours in advance. Fat Tuesday orders must be made by 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Orders can be placed online or by calling 770-434-3115.
________________
throws a Fat Tuesday celebration complete with a New Orleans-style jazz band from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 21. Copeland's chefs will serve up Louisiana favorites and special Mardi Gras desserts like king cake.