Locals get a Taste of Mardis Gras at Indian Prairie Library

The atmosphere at was a little bit wilder than normal Thursday as patrons celebrated Mardi Gras with chef Dave Esau.

There may not have been beads thrown or scantily clad ladies, but Esau, owner of Dave's Specialty Foods in Mount Prospect, certainly brought the spirit—and taste—of New Orleans to the library.

Esau entertained the crowd by cooking typical Mardis Gras recipes with a side of humor, including beignets, gumbo and apple fritters, while giving out tips on cooking and kitchenware.

The event was part of the Big Read, that promotes community and literature by encouraging patrons to read the same book. This year features Dave Eggers' novel, Zeitoun, a nonfiction work about a Syrian man who disappeared from New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina. In conjunction with this theme, there are nearly 40 library programs through March and April centered around New Orleans.

Esau playfully promised the crowd, “I'm pretty opinionated, and you might not like some of the things I have to say—but I'm right!"

Sure enough, as Esau chopped, stirred and sauteed he instructed the crowd to do away with their glass cutting boards, and assured them that for the most part, you get what you pay for with kitchen supplies. He also told the crowd he always tries to cook with natural and organic foods.

Encouraging the crowd to “eat like a cowboy,” Esau explained that cowboys used to eat seasonally, locally and without preservatives, and so should we.

Indian Prairie's Adult Program Coordinator, Cindy Kline, told the audience, “Dave has been a part of almost every one of our Big Read programs.”

Kline received close to 75 reservations for the event. Esau's nonstop energy had the audience's undivided attention for almost two hours, until he and Kline passed out samples of the Mardi Gras cuisine to the salivating crowd.

Library-goer Joanne Begy said she enjoyed the presentation, as well as many others at Indian Prairie. She said she attends most of the events at the library as she goes there at least every other day.

“This is the best friend anybody could ever have,” said Begy, referring passionately to the library.

Dave's Specialty Foods shop features catering, as well as cooking classes. If you are interested in visiting the store or learning more about Chef Esau, visit www.davesspecialtyfoods.com.