New Orleans chef John Besh offers his Mardi Gras brunch menu on Epicurious (full post).

John Besh’s menu on Epicurious includes cheese grits. (photo via Epicurious.com)

Some of the highlights:

In the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, this type of party is common throughout New Orleans because it offers a laid-back way for friends and family to gather and eat before heading to the parade route.

When planning a Mardi Gras brunch, Besh says there are two things to keep in mind.

First, you have to serve the quintessential New Orleans breakfast dishes—think biscuits, beignets, grits, and grillades (a Creole take on pot roast). Second, “it has to be something you can put together without a big mess.” In other words, it can’t be complicated.

Click here to see the menu.

And,  click here to see Besh’s music suggestions and decorating ideas.