With all the swirling sights and thumping beats of the Marigot Mardi Gras crew bands and trucks, I was somewhat distracted from the food offerings…

 

 

 

Nevertheless, several parade vendors caught my eye…

 

I loved the way all these snacks were stuffed into a shopping cart:

 

 

And the way this ice cream vendor was eating his own wares:

I saw the photographer from the local newspaper snap a shot of him too.

 

Then, there was food IN the parade. This lovely Indian woman was handing out freshly made chapatis from her crew truck, fried up hot right on board:

 

And this pretty Corona miss was providing much-needed relief from the heat by tossing water, beer, and soda out to the sweltering crowd:

 

My favorite part of the Mardi Gras dining experience took place after the parade, when my husband and I strolled through the temporary alleys made up of food and beverage tents. Some vendors went out of their way to set up cozy, shady spots to rest and rejuvenate:

 

 

I chose the vendor who was grilling Caribbean lobster, besides the usual chicken and ribs:

 

You will find these drum grills all over the island. St. Martin barbecue is truly delicious.

 

I asked several cooks what they put on their chicken and ribs to spice them up. They all said “nothing” or “a little salt”. The woman who was working our lunch spot was the first to tell me she made a sauce to put on after cooking; a spicy, vinegar-based condiment speckled with onions and herbs. Mmmmm.

 

I also tried the most wonderfully light and fluffy beignets. The woman making them kindly asked me not to photograph her. Guess she didn’t want me to capture her culinary secrets on film. 😉 Still, she inspired me to try to make some at home – not the same, but not half bad:

 

You can try to make some yourself, if you like, using my recipe for Mardi Gras Beignets.

 

 

 

All in all, an amazingly fun and festive time with enough goings-on to satisfy all five senses!