- 11/20/2010
3/5 stars
Hm. Mardi Gras float pieces? Stunningly impressive. Marriott food and event service? Rather less so. The "hurricanes" served on entrance were non-alcoholic to this souse. And the food was flat. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band was hot, and the food was not. Even hotter when they called up one of their previous members who was cursed with a Marriott uniform.
Drink pours at a "complimentary" bar were shockingly good given that most of the crowd wasn't tipping. If I could review the crowd, they'd receive one star. This was a free event for a vendor show. Tip, dammit!
The food I tried was not memorable regardless of the environment. The "BBQ shrimp and grits" was straight from a microwave. The "gulf coast shrimp" make me weep for the future. I remember nearly foot-long shrimp that were so sweet you'd think they're candy… But we've spent too long pissing in the Gulf for those to survive. Roast turkey that's otherwise indistinguishable from any other factor white meat.
Event catering isn't to blame so much as our "eat any crap so long as it's free" culture. All sides should demand real meat, but that costs real effort and hence real money. I spent the morning plucking turkeys after my wife slit their throats, so I can speak with some "authenticity."
This place is "A-OK" because of the floats and folks and not the food. I had no idea the floats were so impressive. They're unlike any floats I've ever seen.