Two of Chicago’s Top Chefs team up for an Authentic New Orleans Experience: Chef Julius Russell and Chef Brian Jupiter come together for The Mardi Gras Pop-Up

By Jada Russell

Ahead of the national “pop-up” trend, Chef Julius Russell, private Chef to the stars, began hosting sold-out pop-up restaurant events in August 2012. Chef Brian Jupiter is the owner and executive chef of Frontier and the NOLA focused, Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods.

The Crescent City has been a reoccurring theme or influence for both chefs. Over the years, Chef Julius has regularly visited New Orleans and is always inspired by the people, the culture and the cuisine. Anyone who’s had a food conversation with him knows that New Orleans holds a special place in his heart. So, when an opportunity to collaborate with Chef Brian Jupiter, a New Orleans native son, presented itself – a Mardi Gras Pop-Up provided the perfect setting.

On Sunday, March 3rd, Chef Brian’s Ina Mae Tavern and Packaged Goods will be the location where Mardi Gras comes to Chicago! The spectacular New Orleans based menu will feature new dishes from both chefs. There will be a minimum of six courses and cocktail/wine pairings are available. Tickets are $100-$125 and available via taleof2chefs. com.

Both chefs confirm that this is just the start of a culinary series and collaborations with other chefs in Chicago. And this “kick-off” is sure to be a one of a kind experience.

New Orleans – NOLA, The Crescent City, Nawlins, TheBig Easy and “The birthplace of jazz”. These are just a few of the common names for one of the greatest cities in the country. The motto is Laissez les bon temps rouler – “let the good times roll”. No city embodies its motto more than New Orleans. Joints on Frenchman’s Street offer up impromptu jazz performances by music legends. There is always a second line down Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, where a party is waiting to happen. When visitingMagazine Street in the Garden District or Uptown you can check out cozy eateries with creative cuisine that empower people and continues to enrich a culture.

Still, no matter how cool it is to find a quaint new café, the French Quarter is still the main draw. Sometimes it dismissed as a tourist trap but this is one of the most flavorful and exciting 13 square blocks that you will ever experience Classic beignets from Café Du Monde, just a few blocks from the iconic K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen, where blackened redfish was created. This is the city of Bananas Foster, Gumbo, Oysters Rockefeller, Po Boy Sandwiches & Muffulettas. And if you think the party stops there, you would be incorrect. New Orleans is credited with creating the first cocktail, Sazerac.

This is a city where the people have a spirit so strong, that one of the biggest natural disasters in our country couldn’t hold them down. They came together, cooked some gumbo, tuned up the band and “Let The Good Times Roll!” It is in that tradition that the chefs have curated an authentic culinary experience here in Chicago, complete with the tastes, sounds, and spirit of NOLA. Ticket information is available at www.Taleof2Chefs. com.