Mirliton Festival

I went to Mirliton Fest the year of its inception (2006) and was so pleased this year to see how it's grown. The crowds were great, the music tight, and the food booths were not the same old-same old. Plus each featured a mirliton dish! Yum.Wish their had been more crafts to see but I think they are making excellent use of their space.

Admittedly, I haven't been much of a mirliton eater since I was a kid. But on an absolute gorgeous day, my friend and I took our bikes out through the Quarter to the Bywater neighborhood for the 18th Annual Mirliton Festival at Markey Park. After paying admission and locking up the bikes, we bypassed the crafts area and did a once around of the food booths. I started with a Shrimp and Mirliton Stew with Cheddar Cheese Grits from Karma Kitchen. This dish was really tasty once properly seasoned with a little hot sauce. Next up was Pickled Mirliton Cole Slaw with Grilled Shrimp from Elizabeth's . Friggin' awesome! After a glass of wine from Bacchanal, I ended the afternoon with a Shrimp Stuffed Mirliton from Jack Dempsey's Restaurant. Good but not as good as the first two dishes. Elizabeth's was also serving up some other tasty looking dishes at their booth, so I might have to go check them out!The music was definitely local and happening. We met one of my dinner clubbers there and popped a squat and enjoyed the food, music, wine and weather...The crafts area had some interesting local items, including some brightly colored signs with local sayings and scenes, and some cool S&WB water main belt buckles that I will buy at the next Bywater Market. Turnout was pretty good and you can bet I'll be at next year's Mirliton Festival!

Good fun, great music and a wonderful selection of food, most of which (but not ALL) feature the squash like vegetable as an ingredent.

do not miss this Bywater mixer.....great entertainment and art for sale