Mouthful: Mardi Gras, crab, and more

Planning Ahead for Mardi Gras: Two local Mardi Gras events warrant early planning so you don’t miss out.

First, Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation in collaboration with the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is hosting a Mardi Gras Casino Night on Feb. 2 from 7 to 11 p.m.

The evening, which takes place at Heron Hall (900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa) includes traditional Cajun foods, wine, beer and cocktails, music and lots of raffle prizes, along with blackjack, roulette and craps.

Admission is $75 per person, which includes food, $200 in gambling scrip and five raffle tickets. No tickets will be sold at the door so get yours at lagunafoundation.org or by calling 527-9277 ext. 110.

Proceeds benefit the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation’s Learning Laguna education program and the Sisters’ Community Grant Fund.

Second, the Krewe of Meadowcroft Wines (23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma) is hosting its third annual fete on Feb. 9 from noon to 4 p.m. This year, the music will be from Rhythmtown Jive of Petaluma. The event includes a second line parade through Cornerstone Sonoma, the crowning of a new king and queen, authentic foods and, of course, delicious Meadowcroft wines.

The menu features Cajun sausage, crawfish etouffe with rice, red beans and rice, French bread, “Louisiana Sensation” salad and New Orleans King Cake.

Tickets are $50 if you buy them before Feb. 1 and $60 thereafter. Wine club members pay $40. For tickets, call 934-4090.

Road Trip! If winter weather and viruses have you edgy from cabin fever, how about a road trip to Treasure Island? This weekend, the monthly Treasure Island Flea takes place both indoors and outdoors.

This is no typical flea market. In addition to scores of local vendors offering antiques, vintage, retro, repurposed and new goods, art, photography and more, there are do-it-yourself workshops, scavenger hunts, free tours of the Treasure Island Museum and plenty to eat and drink. Food trucks at this month’s market include Sam’s Chowder Mobile, Le Truc, Chairman Bao, Curry Up Now, Manna Sushi, An The Goc, Hiyaaac, Missing Link and Harvey’s Gourmet Donuts. Wine is available, too.

There will be live music from Kenya Bakerc, Scott Holliday and Michel Michellis.

The Flea takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. Admission is $3 for adults. Kids, pets and parking are free.

And then there’s the spectacular location, in the middle of San Francisco Bay.

For more information and directions, visit treasureislandflea.com.