Falls Church Tavern Brings Mardi Gras to the City

For the second consecutive year, City of Falls Church residents can enjoy food, drinks, music and the carnival atmosphere of Mardi Gras at the .

Bar manager Jack Moriarty said the restaurant will offer classic New Orleans cuisine like jambalaya, red beans and rice, gumbo, crawfish étouffée and po boy sandwiches alongside their regular Tuesday night raw bar to celebrate Mardi Gras. “Fascinatin’ Rhythms,” a jazz musician from the big easy will be playing live music.

Moriarty said the idea of bringing New Orleans carnival atmosphere to Falls Church was a natural progression for him and his business partners who have been holding similar celebrations at their other establishments for some time. He said he loved the distinct music and atmosphere of the celebration and he wanted to give his guests a chance to indulge.

“We are just trying to celebrate Fat Tuesday,” he said. “It is just a kind of a big deal right before Lent starts so it is a last effort kick off before you just go and give stuff up for Lent.”

Monday afternoon, George Hayes sat down to a cup of chili and Arbita beer at the bar. He said he used to frequent the tavern often. He did not know the tavern was having a Mardi Gras special and thinks bringing the big easy to Falls Church.

“I wish I could come now that I know about it,” Hayes said. “But the economy has been kind of rough. I am just treating myself to lunch today because I was hungry.”

Mark Bullen, another patron, said he liked the seasonal promotion and will probably stop by the tavern for a beer.

“It is a good idea,” he said. “I like it.”

Thea and Edan MacQuaid, co-owners of Pizzeria Orso liked the idea of celebrating Mardi Gras without leaving town. Thea said there was a good chance that the couple will attend the celebration at the tavern because, she said, it sounded like fun.

“It’s nice to have something to do locally instead of having to go down to Arlington or D.C.,” Edan said.