Several weeks before the actual
Mardi Gras party,
New Orleanians purchase
King Cakes to share with their fellow
students or
co-workers. Whoever finds the
plastic baby has to bring in the next King Cake for everyone.
Since the unfortunate of bankruptcy of
the quintessential
New Orleans bakery, McKenzies', a few years ago, it is difficult to find a King Cake in New Orleans that is both tasty and
decently priced. So far, no one has been able to produce the
sugary pastry as finely and cheaply as the old masters.
Still, there are few bakeries remaining around town that serve up the
delicious treat. My personal favorites are
Maurice's Bakery,
Randazzo's Bakery, and
Dorignac's Supermarket in
Metairie.