Food is more important than sleep during New Orleans’ most active holiday. Mardi Gras 1999 provides an opportunity for a number of new dining establishments and old favorites to showcase the breadth of their menus. Do not settle for the fast fuel of drive-through franchises.

New Orleanians expect prompt delivery, reasonably priced catering and easy access to their favorite food spots during this busy season. Don’t waste precious free time trying to assemble home cooked meals that you won’t even get to enjoy. Delis and restaurants across town are prepared to provide for you. Do numerous out-of-town guests have to be fed? Providing potluck dishes for a party on the parade route? Attending a parade? Finding yourself famished anywhere in town from the Ninth Ward to River Ridge? Check out these restaurants’ and delis’ dynamic menus. Don’t forget to call well in advance for any order.

Elizabeth’s (Corner of Gallier and Chartres; 944-9272) has risen to the forefront of dining in the mighty Ninth Ward in just six months. Chef and owner Heidi Trull gracefully succeeds in fulfilling her establishment’s motto of, “Real Food Done Real Good.” For breakfast, open your eyes to a Waffle with Cooked Apples ($3.50). This crispy-malted waffle is topped with apples brimming with hints of bourbon, cinnamon and sugar. Settle into your morning agenda with a spicy dish of South Carolina Shrimp Gravy over Cheese Grits ($6). To cure a hangover, try the Loula May Breakfast Po-Boy ($3.50). Sandwiched between generous slices of French bread, Chef Heidi places soft scrambled eggs, hot sausage and a blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese.

Starting your day after 11 a.m., join the neighborhood lunch crowd for a tender Fried Catfish Po-Boy ($4.50). Chef Heidi provides one of the most generous Fried Potato and Gravy Po-Boys ($3.25) in the city. Imagine tasting piles of fresh cut fried potatoes slathered with brown beef gravy between slices of French bread. The daily specials rarely last past 1:30 p.m. so call ahead to reserve an order. Recent specials include Beer-B-Q Shrimp ($6.50). Barbecue Shrimp cooked the traditional way, served over rice and crisp, sauteed vegetables. Don’t pass up the Grilled Salmon on a bed of creamy potato salad tossed with cucumbers and onions ($6.00). Daily specials never cost more than $7. Homemade daily desserts include Hummingbird Cake, Pecan Pie, Nut Brownies and a choice of three Fried Fruit Pies ($1-$2). Look forward to homemade ice cream in the summer. Elizabeth’s can provide catering at any level and prepare any of their menu items for large quantity takeout. Elizabeth’s guarantees the feistiest service in town. Don’t be shy, seek out Elizabeth’s before there’s a line out the door at every meal. Elizabeth’s is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday-Saturday 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

The Verti-Marte (1201 Royal Street; 525-4767) can meet your every Mardi Gras need 24 hours a day. No need to delve too deeply into their menu when some of their best dishes are also their best bargains. Verti-Marte will deliver individual portions of their hot and tasty jambalaya ($1.95). Their jambalaya stands alone as the best bargain in the city for feeding a dozen or so ravished partygoers. Call well in advance for large orders. This New Orleans staple packs tender pieces of chicken, Andouille sausage, onions, green peppers, and rice stewed in a thick tomato base. Don’t overlook the “Awesome” Stuffed Potato ($3.25). Weighing in at a substantial size, Idaho’s finest tuber. is overstuffed with cheddar cheese, garlic, bacon, green onions, fresh herbs and twice baked to perfection. These dishes erase hunger pains ‘at any time of day or night. They can also be reheated for breakfast and still hit their mark. Stock your refrigerator with food from the Verti-Marte to be eaten on short notice. Take advantage of their free delivery in the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny neighborhoods.

Cellars of River Ridge (1801 Dickory; 734-8455) provides one stop shopping for all Mardi Gras entertaining supplies. Owned by Ken and Joanne Caldcleugh, they’ve watched their deli and catering business take off since they opened in the last year. Take advantage of their “Create Your Own Six Pack” selecting from over 150 different types of beer. Peruse their extensive offerings of reasonably priced wine and champagne. One visit to this establishment and you can stock your entire kitchen and bar for the duration of Mardi Gras. The on-premises deli, managed by Chef George Kenney, allows choices from more than thirty-five sandwiches made to order with the freshest choice ingredients (the best of which include a Blackened Tuna Steak sandwich ($6.50) and Grilled Pork Loin sandwich ($5.95).) For entertaining, select from a catering menu of more than 30 items that includes everything.from homemade Potato Salad ($2 per pound) to new twists on savory, Creole standards including Artichoke Bread ($42 per 100) and Mini-Muffalettas ($35.99 per 50). Prepared deli items include a fiery Hot Pepper Cheese Spread ($3.99) and soothing Chicken Noodle Soup ($3.99). A full line of pates ;;1nd gourmet cheeses are also available and reasonably priced. Cellars of River Ridge aims to meet all your needs and won’t disappoint your guests’ palates. Once again, call well in advance, This deli will be at full tilt boogie come Mardi Gras week. Cellars of River Ridge is open Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m–8 p.m.

Whether you awaken Uptown or find yourself headed towards the parade route during the day, anyone in the neighborhood will point you towards Guy’s Po-boys (5259 Magazine Street; 891-5025) for any number of generous Po-Boy sandwiches and daily plate specials. Find yourself only able to eat one meal a day? Tackle the Grilled Filet Po-Boy with Scrambled Eggs and Grilled Onions ($6.50). Chef Guy serves up sweet Italian Sausage Po-Boys ($3.75) grilled and smothered in a traditional Marinara sauce on large slices of flaky French Bread. Feeling the need to break from a Po-Boy rut? Try Chef Guy’s Grilled Catfish Salad ($4.50). Squeeze a little lemon on this salad, no dressing needed. He also serves up daily soup including a thick and creamy Grilled Shrimp and Potato Soup ($2.75). Full catering is available, call for more information. Pack po-boys for the parades, they’ll keep all day! You’ll be glad you brought them along. Guy’s is open from 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Don’t be dissuaded by the dim lighting and aggressive art of Juan’s Flying Burrito (2018 Magazine Street; 569-0000). Juan’s boasts an enormous menu composed of the freshest ingredients made to order for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Check the chalkboard for daily specials. Local burrito devotees sing the praises of the Jerk Chicken Burrito ($5.75) and Western Mixed Veggie Burrito ($5.50). Their burritos travel well to any Carnival parade and upon delivery will cause an entire household of guests to rejoice. Juan’s is open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.–12:00 a.m.; Sunday 12 noon–l0 p.m. Juan’s free delivery is available 11 a.m.–4p.m. Monday through Sunday. Select beers and mixed drinks available.

Juan’s also has a French Quarter outpost, located at 811 Conti Street inside Monahan’s Erin’s Rose. Their hours are Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Take advantage of their free delivery in the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny and CBD.