Happy Mardi Gras! We’re getting in the spirit with red beans & rice (recipe) and king cake cocktails (recipe).

This is one of the collectible Bacchus throws from 2013. (photo via @newinNOLA on Instagram)

We’re also sorting out all our parade loot. Chips from Mid-City, tridents from Proteus, bags from Bacchus and water bottles from Muses. Plus, enough beads to fill a bucket.

See our Instagram feed for pictures from all the parades.

And did we mention we saw Gary Sinise, Harry Connick Jr. and Mariska Hargitay last night? Our photo proof.

Reminder – today is a fun day to go out and see costumed revelers. But, if you are heading to places like the grocery store, check the hours before you go. Many stores have special hours today.