I just moved to New Orleans in October and have been patiently awaiting Twelfth Night (and not a minute before) so I can enjoy piece after piece of king cake.
There are so many I want to try, as I've only had Dong Phuong's king cake in the New Orleans area.
But as a native of Bay St. Louis, I would be remiss if I didn't share one of my favorite king cakes on the Mississippi Coast that is worth the short drive from the Crescent City.
With a name like Fleur De Lis Gourmet Bakery, you'd imagine you could find this bakery on Magazine Street or on a busy stretch of highway in Metairie.
But this shop is near the beach in Gulfport and is beloved by locals for their desserts and baked goods, especially the light and delectable strawberry and cream cheese Bavarian cake.
But Fleur De Lis also makes one of the Coast's favorite king cakes, including mine.
It's called a pithivier, which is a French specialty of all-butter puff pastry with different flavors inside.
The most popular is praline pecan cream cheese, but I am partial to the raspberry cream cheese.
The pithivier is light and flaky and is topped with a purple, green and gold dust and crown.
The best way to describe the taste is that of a jacked-up croissant. It's good at breakfast, lunch and dinner and leaves a trail of tasty flakes behind to remind you of why enjoying the Mardi Gras season is far better than making a New Year's resolution.
Fleur De Lis offers pithiviers for $39 in a variety of flavors. To try one for yourself, call 228-896-0005 to place your order.
What New Orleans king cakes should I try? Email me at justin.mitchell@theadvocate.com and let me know!
