With Mardi Gras right around the corner, we’re all starting to think about what parades we want to go to, what crazy outfits we can come up with and our punniest Instagram captions. We’re so distracted by all of this that one of the last things on our mind tends to be what NOLA is most recognized for: food. But Mardi Gras season is also King Cake season, so get your sweet tooth ready to indulge!
Here are a few Crescent approved places to satisfy that sweet tooth!
Manny Randazzo
Arguably the most famous traditional King Cake available in New Orleans, this family-owned bakery is worth the drive out to Metairie. They have been using the same recipe for over fifty years, and with lines going down the street during Carnival season, it’s clear that they’re doing something right. But don’t worry, they sell King Cakes all year long. You have all year to cross this one off your bucket list!
They also ship to anywhere in the US, so surprise your family at home with a little taste of Mardi Gras.
Sucre
Sucre is a high-end bakery with a few locations throughout the city. Lucky for us Uptown residents there is one not far on Magazine Street. They don’t offer a traditional King Cake, but instead have smaller, personal-sized cakes that are much more glamourous with iridescent glitter on the top. They also have King Cake macaroons if you’re just looking for a bite.
Sucre is a high-end bakery with a few locations throughout the city. Lucky for us Uptown residents there is one not far on Magazine Street. They don’t offer a traditional King Cake, but instead have smaller, personal-sized cakes that are much more glamourous with iridescent glitter on the top. They also have King Cake macaroons if you’re just looking for a bite.
Creole Creamery
While Creole Creamery isn’t a bakery and doesn’t bake King Cakes to sell, their King Cake ice cream flavor is unreal. And even better- it’s super close to campus!
King Cake Fest
Lastly, possibly the best way to get King Cake this Carnival Season is head over to King Cake Fest on January 28th. This event is free to the public and allows you to try different king cakes from 10 am- 4 pm.
Over 20 bakeries attend the festival, so you’ll get a range of flavors, textures and tastes. There is also a competition for all of the bakeries, with titles like best presentation and most non-traditional cake, so you know that they’re bringing their A-game.
This 5th annual festival is also a fundraiser for Ochsner Hospital for Children, so bring a small donation and an empty stomach to Champions Sqaure on the 28th!
Historically, King Cake was brought to New Orleans from France in the 1870’s, and has been a part of Mardi Gras tradition ever since. Traditionally, it is eaten to mark the arrival of the Three Wise Men, but for most people it is another classic symbol of Festival Season. So go get some King Cake and get ready to Mardi!
COVER PHOTO: Rachel Wine
