The countdown to January 6th is on! Spoiler alert it's tomorrow. And why does everyone care so much about January 6th in New Orleans? Because it's King's Day, AND with King's Day comes KING CAKE!
For those looking to learn something new, Kings Day, it's not just any day; it's the start of the much-loved King Cake (ahem) Carnival season! This special day, also known as the Feast of the Epiphany, is when we commemorate the Three Kings' visit to the baby Jesus.
It's a festive occasion marked by the delicious tradition of eating King Cake - a ring of twisted cinnamon roll-style dough, adorned with icing and colorful sugar in purple, green, and yellow. And let's not forget the hidden baby inside, symbolizing luck and prosperity for whoever finds it.
[Why the baby? See the note above about the date commemorating when and what the Three Kings found.... ohhhhhh].
As we step into 2024, the tradition remains as delightful and eagerly anticipated as ever. King's Day signals the beginning of the Carnival or "The Mardi Gras Season," which runs from January 6th until Mardi Gras Day, filled with parades, parties, and King Cakes.
Beginning tomorrow, brightly colored cakes will adorn every bakery, grocery, and office kitchen near you.
So, with King's Day just two days away, where should you go to get your King Cake fix in New Orleans? We've got a list that'll make you a local King Cake hero.
The List
Ready to indulge? What options do you have if you're gluten-free? Vegan? What can you do if you want to participate but don't like cake? We've got you. Each Realtor on Team Cool Murphy shares their favorites below.
Darcie Braai, aka will travel for king cake, is a local and passionate king cake lover who shares her favorite spots. Spoiler alert: there are more than a couple best of the 'Best Bank,' options:
Antoine's Famous Cakes: A hidden treasure on the West Bank, known for its incredibly moist and rich cakes. A visit here promises a King Cake that perfectly captures the essence of New Orleans' Carnival season.
Haydel's Bakery: A name synonymous with tradition in the New Orleans King Cake scene. Known for their perfect blend of sweetness and spice, Haydel's King Cakes are a reliable and delicious choice.
Hi-Do Bakery: Located in Terrytown, this bakery is famous for its unique twists on the classic King Cake, offering an exciting variety of flavors.
Dough Nguyener's Bakery: The exciting new addition to the West Bank's bakery scene, eagerly awaited by locals for its contemporary take on the traditional King Cake.
Brittany, our king-cake-purest, prefers the tried and true when it comes to her Carnival confections. Her faves include:
Dong Phuong: A consistent favorite, known for their flaky pastry and rich fillings.
Randazzo's: Perfect for large gatherings, their King Cake is a visual and taste sensation.
Gambino's: Known for adding a touch of rum to their cakes, creating a unique and delightful flavor.
Tastees: Sticking to the basics and doing it brilliantly, rumored to be using the legendary McKenzies recipe.
Jess is a foodie, and her favorites are perfect for those who love to try something new or something traditional with a twist:
Dong Phuong: It's no surprise this bakery is a repeat on her list. Their cakes are a perfect blend of traditional and modern, leaving every bite memorable.
Third Wheel: Known for their out-of-the-box flavors, their turmeric king cake is a must-try for those looking to spice up their king cake experience.
Bywater Bakery: For Jess, variety is the key to a great king cake experience. Bywater's savory boudin and crawfish king cakes are just the kind of originality she loves.
Nor Joe’s: A new find for Jess and a direct hit to her Italian soul - the famous cannoli king cake. Imagine the creamy, rich filling of a cannoli in a soft, sweet king cake. It's a fusion she's been dreaming of!
Flour Moon: There's buzz around town about their giant bagel king cake, complete with lox. Jess is beyond excited to try this savory twist on the traditional king cake - it's like brunch and Mardi Gras all rolled into one!
Sara, our gluten-free goddess, is always on the lookout for allergen-friendly options. She's got a few favorites, including a couple that exclude corn or can be adapted to other allergy or dietary restrictions:
Creme Confectionery: Their gluten-free King Cakes are so good that they're enjoyed by everyone. Yes, even gluten lovers.
Van Friendly: Specializing in gluten-free baked goods, their King Cake is a testament to their skill.
Waffles on Maple: Perfect for those who want a smaller treat, their mini gluten-free King Cakes are full of flavor.
NOCCA Marketplace: Find the popular Cake Cafe's gluten-free King Cakes here, with sales supporting young artists.
For vegan options, she recommends Bywater Bakery Van Friendly, and Breads on Oak for their exceptional plant-based King Cakes.
Elisa - our anti-cake king caker, says, "Let them eat cake; you don't have to." For those of you who are over it or who aren't feeling all that cake, Elisa's got your back. Here are several clever alternatives to king cake altogether.
King Cake Latte: Who Dat Cafe has the best in town; get you some espresso, oat milk, and flavoring iced or hot. For bonus points, ask them to add in some King Cake vodka.
King Cake Baby: looking to out-cake your insta-friends? Get thee on a mission to find the Pelican's terrifying mascot for a photo op.
Fringe & Co: instead of adding to that waistline, why not adorn it with gorgeous MG fringe jackets and other accessories!
Gris-Gris King Cake Cocktail: made with Deep Eddy Vodka, Evangeline Praline Liquor, dairy-free vanilla soft serve, cinnamon, and seasonal spices, this creative cocktail made the Nola Eat Fit menu!
Missed your favorite King Cake spot? Let us know! We're always excited to explore and share new finds with our community.
For more great content, New Orleans real estate updates, and all things King Cake, don't forget to visit our homepage and subscribe to our weekly email. Need real estate advice in New Orleans? We're just a call away - King Cake in hand!
Voted Neighborhood Favorite by Nextdoor, Team Cool Murphy is a top-producing, licensed real estate team based in New Orleans, brokered by Cool Murphy LLC.
Reach out to us; we'd love to help you love where you live in New Orleans.
Contact Us -
email: cool@coolmurphy.com
Facebook: @homeinneworleans
IG: @coolmurphynola
Youtube: @coolmurphynola
phone: 504-321-3194
Comentários