My family and I went to a Murder Mystery Dinner and last Christmas season, as we often do, and this time it was Mardi Gras themed.
Let me tell you all about the dinner and the show!
What is Mardi Gras?
For those of us, like me, who don't know what Mardi Gras is, Mardi Gras, when translated to English, means Fat Tuesday.
It's a French celebration that typically takes place on the Christian celebration, Shrove Tuesday. During Mardi Gras, it's expected that people will be using and eating a lot of fats and sugars in preparation for Lent. Essentially, it's a religious Christian holiday, or at least it was intended as such. I'm not sure how much it sticks to it's roots in modern day.
Mardi Gras has 3 main colours, each representing something different; purple is said to represent justice, green is said to represent faith, and gold is said to represent power.
Using these colours, my family and I wore matching outfits to this murder mystery dinner. We wore purple, green, and gold beaded necklaces as well as masks. My mom also had us all wear the same sequence shirt, but it was really chilly, so I kept my sweater on for most of it.
Fun fact about the masks: back in the day, people wore them during Mardi Gras so that they could socialize outside of their social rank without tarnishing their reputation. Nowadays, it's just a fun way to dress up.
The table designs were absolutely beautiful this year! The centerpieces were full of colourful peacock feathers, and we each had our own colourful napkin, beautifully displayed in our wine glasses.
The Dinner
When we first arrived, they already has a few h'orderves set out. A couple of basics such as vegetables and fruits, as well as some meats and cheese with crackers.
In regards to the dinner, I never really enjoy most dinner parties because my lactose and gluten intolerance makes it hard for me to eat out. If I do go, I tend to eat before and just order drinks, or bring my own food with me.
I do this mainly because I know I won't get sick through human error or cross contamination, and so I wouldn't inconvenience others. Might sound awkward to some, but after more than a decade like this, it's only awkward for those don't know me yet.
Being that it wasn't my first time at this event, I knew I wouldn't be able to eat the dinner. So, I made my own and brought it with me. However, to my surprise, those who were making the dinner, remembered me and my food allergies.
Knowing that I was attending this year, they went out of their way to make what they called a Creole rice dish. It had chicken, rice, tomatoes, and onions in it. It sounds simple, but simple food is what I enjoy most. It was not only good tasting, but also such a kind gesture!
I felt so special in that moment. I never expect to be included like that, so when it does happen, it's such a happy experience for me. Though I only really enjoy it from people I trust to cook for me. It's happened on a number of occasions when someone think what they've cooked is allergy friendly and it has turned out not to be. I'm definitely not a gambler.
For the other guests, they had Creole and Cajun cuisine consisting of roast beef, potatoes, rolls, and other foods I didn't quite pay attention to enough to remember them.
There was dessert as well. They had a variety of pies: lemon, coconut, and apple. As well as cream puffs, brownies, cakes, and so much more. Sugary and fatty, which is very on brand for Mardi Gras.
With dessert, they always have coffee and tea. I don't know what it is about this event, but I find they always have the best tea. It may be the atmosphere of having a 3 course meal that ends with tea, but it really seems to be the perfect end to such a nice night.
The Story
I never really pay much attention to the story if I'm honest. I'm mainly there for the atmosphere and the time spent with my family. That's not to say I ignore the actors and don't participate by read through the pamphlets and hints as they come around the tables. I just don't much care to solve the mystery is all.
Anyway, the story from this years murder mystery dinner was about a masked celebrity, who turned out to be a Gallo Parish official Rene Resse, that was in the Mardi Gras parade. While on the parade float, they died as the float reached Burbon street.
This float is put together by the Krewe, a group of amateur entertainers and professionals. These individuals include: a street mime called Silent Sam Simmons, saxophonist Cool Crawdaddy Clyde Crawford, River boat captain Murky Waters.
Other characters in this story include: renowned pastry chef Pierre Baguette, the float designer Marigold Flower, Toulouse Hotel owner Misty Mournung, Mama Margot the voodoo queen, and the parish clerk Lana Lando.
During the whole event, they would come around and drop off different kinds of numbered hints, which you could swap with the other tables, as well as some new articles and/or investigative reports you can read through for more information. The actors would also come sit at your table for a while, circulating to all of them, so you could ask any questions you had.
Unfortunately, I cannot remember who was the killer, sorry. I'll pay more attention to this years story, promise!
Like I said earlier, it wasn't my first time at this event. Past dinners that I've been to have been 1920's themed or ugly Christmas sweater themed.
I remember both years (but not their stories) and they we were both really fun. My favourite part of all events without a doubt has to be the dressing up.
Being all dolled up like a 1920's flapper was so much fun; just as much fun as the Bridgerton Ball I went to in Toronto.
Tickets
Tickets were $40 per person, but the whole event was a fundrasier for the town hall it was taking place in. It's may seem pricey, but it's the cost for a full dinner with appetizers and dessert, as well as an interactive show. Plus, it's going back into the city. I think it's well worth the price.
We all couldn't stop saying how nice it was this year. Everything felt so easy and effortless as a guest. The story was interesting, the food was good, the actors did great, the decor was wonderful. It was overall a wonderful night.
I can't wait for this year's theme!
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