So, the Mardi Gras party was fun, and my food turned out great. Made a hot crawfish dip for app, then red beans and rice, gumbo, and etouffee. I wasn't in love with my etouffee, but a few guests said it was their favorite dish! We all know taste is subjective, and that is for sure. Both the red beans and gumbo turned out great, though. Smoking the chicken was a good move - it gave the gumbo a really great flavor.
Thanks again for your input! I think one of these days we need to have a party for all of our members. You know we would have some awesome food!