A Taste of New Orleans

Driven Bakers Make the Best King Cakes and Eat Them Too

When it’s carnival time and you’re hungry for a snack, there is nothing more decadent or delicious than an authentic New Orleans King Cake. But, the word “authentic” is a loose term used around the city because so many bakeries claim to be the best.

Are you a king cake connoisseur?

Known for being a cultural melting pot, New Orleans is home to many foods and taste combinations—and King Cake is no exception. The variety of this sweet cake is as large as the Big Easy itself, and more combinations and recipes appear every year.

As for the locals, we pride ourselves on the food we make and the food we eat. Everyone has their favorites, their go-tos and no one can sway us one way or another. So naturally we have competitions to decide who is the ultimate, overall, unanimous winner.

This year NOLA Eats will be hosting the 6th annual King Cake Tasting Party, on February 1.

Like we needed an excuse to indulge in King Cakes?

King Cakes

All bakeries with their signature King Cake will be represented. In the spirit of competition, each bakery is encouraged by locals and visitors alike to make their King Cake stand out among the rest. Adding a personal flair to each recipe, creates a signature that might lead to a King Cake’s crowning moment as the 2014 “Best King Cake in New Orleans.”

The original Public King Cake Party in New Orleans is celebrating its 6th year on Saturday, February 1 at the Little Gem Saloon, where you will experience live entertainment, gorgeous interiors, a wrap-around balcony, and fully-stocked cash bar. Complimentary hot & iced coffee will be provided by PJ’s Coffee. There will be Special Guest Judges in attendance, and featured entertainment by DJ Tony Skratchere.

2014 NOLA Eats King Cake Tasting Party

General Admission tickets are $20. Tickets are $25 at the door (if available).

Doors open at 7 p.m. for General Admission and 6:30 p.m. for VIP Admission.

VIP tickets are $45.

Indulge in the masterpieces of driven, local New Orleans bakers and vote for your favorite King Cakes from the best bakeries in the city. But don’t pass out from a sugar overdose.

Last Year’s Winners: Judge’s Choice

Best Traditional King Cake:

Gerald Donuts Burgers
Gerald’s Donuts & Burgers, 2101 E. Judge Perez, Chalmette

Best Non-Traditional King Cake:

La Dolce NOLA
La Dolce NOLA, 2100 Metairie Rd. Suite 100, Metairie

Last Year’s Winners: People’s Choice

Best Traditional King Cake:

Nonna Randazzo’s King Cakes
Nonna Randazzo’s King Cakes, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Suite 5, Covington, & 925 E. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette (2012 Winner)

Best Non-Traditional King Cake:

Domenica
Domenica, 123 Baronne St., New Orleans (2012 Winner)