Enjoy a unique five-day Mardi Gras celebration at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

The fun and festivity of the French Quarter comes alive this Mardi Gras for an extended celebration, February 20-24, at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, 798 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights (847- 228-9551).

Pappadeaux will be transformed in to a street festival featuring the sights, sounds and revelry that you’d experience if you were visiting Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The four day festival features live New Orleans music, face painters, beads and doubloons as well as fabulous food specials.

You need not travel too far to celebrate. Known for the freshest seafood and Louisiana-style favorites like Blackened Opelousas Fillet, Crawfish and Shrimp Fondeaux, and Seafood Gumbo, Pappadeaux will be offering Mardi Gras specials in addition to its regular menu. Specials include: a dozen Oysters ($3.95) or a pound of Broiled Crawfish ($5.95/lb), Stone Crab ($9.95/half pound), Lobster Tail ($21.95) and Surf ‘n Turf featuring Filet Mignon and Lobster ($29.95). The Pappadeaux bar menu starts at $1.95 and is available 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays.

Pappadeaux’s carefully designed specialty drink menu showcases their signature cocktail, the Swampthing ($8.95), including a Keepsake Glass. A must try for those not faint of heart, the Swampthing is a multi-layered frozen drink starting off with a layer of raspberry liqueur, then a layer of Frozen Hurricane, followed by a layer of Frozen Margarita, and topped off with a layer of melon liqueur.

Equally delicious are the more traditional cocktails, including all Grey Goose cocktails and martinis ($5.50), and Goose Island drafts (3.25).

The party never stops. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. and run until closing at 11 p.m.

For information and reservations, call Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen at 847-228-9551. Large parties and private dining are available.