Tomorrow is the culmination of all the hoopla in Mobile, New Orleans and in towns along the Gulf Coast. Fat Tuesday. Craziness galore. Beads, parades, green/gold/purple everywhere. Maybe you’d love to be in on all the fun, but don’t have the money or the time off to drive south. Well, Huntsville offers a great alternative at the Po Boy Factory, 815 Andrew Jackson Way NE. From a decor, atmosphere and food perspective, you’ll think you’re there. 

This place is VERY casual — a paper and plastic kind of eatery. The ceilings are adorned with logos of recognizable sports teams, and the walls are covered with Mardi Gras-themed posters and symbols. Po Boy Factory has gained quite a reputation, especially with the locals, and was hoppin’ even at 1:30 on a Friday afternoon. 

A family-friendly Bourbon Street. 🙂

The prices are extremely reasonable, and the food is authentically Cajun and very delicious.

Undeniable touches from Louisiana.

The gumbo is spicy, full-flavored and chocked with goodness.

Thick, rich gumbo.

The batter on the oysters and fish was extra tasty. When I inquired, I learned that the secret is corn FLOUR, rather than cornmeal. It made a big difference. It was light, and you could really taste the fish and oysters.

Lightly-battered fish and oysters.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without sampling their bread pudding, served warm and swoon-worthy. Oh my!

Bread pudding to die for.

Po Boy Factory is closed on Sunday and Monday but opens at 11:00 Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

And one more thing. Maybe you’ve been to a Mardi Gras parade in the last few days and are wondering what in the world to do with all of those beads. I took a fun class last week in Gulf Shores led by a very creative lady named Dorie Parsons. Check out her website here.

Dorie Parsons with a display of her Mardi Gras bead creations.

Dorie has compiled a booklet with instructions for many creations using the beads. In describing some of her work, she said to “think of the beads as paint,” and you can see how she did that in some of these photos.  Contact her through the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance to order a copy. The Alliance is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The number is 251-948-2627.

A flamingo covered in Mardi Gras beads.

Learning some basic techniques with Mardi Gras beads.

I’m sure someone there can tell you how to get one of Dorie’s books. She also teaches photography classes if you want to improve your skills while you’re at the beach.

I strongly suspect that some of her ideas will be implemented in our next Cousins Camp, but shhhhhhh. It needs to be a surprise. 🙂

A wreath FILLED with Mardi Gras beads.