Fed-Ex Mardi Gras

January 5, 2006 4:20 PM

Help me find an authentic King Cake that can be shipped to Chicago.

Google yields dozens of vendors willing to ship a King Cake anywhere in the world - but how do I know if it's good?

I'm not from New Orleans, in fact, I've never been there, but a dear friend of mine had King Cakes every year in college. She's been displaced by the hurricanes, and I'd like to have one shipped up here for her. I want it to be a surprise, though, so I can't ask her.

Price is no object, but I would like to be able to order it online. It should be authentic (meaning from New Orleans) or an authentic recipe (meaning my friend wouldn't be able to tell the difference).

posted by MeetMegan to Food & Drink (8 answers total)

About 5 or 6 years ago there were at least two places in the Chicago area that made authentic King Cakes. My landlord/friend had a Mardi Gras party every year and bought several. I have no idea the name of either place, but it might be worth calling a few places. Perhaps another Mefite will know the names.
posted by FlamingBore at 4:37 PM on January 5, 2006

King Cakes Online.
posted by ericb at 4:54 PM on January 5, 2006

Also -- Haydel Bakery's King Cakes.

Oh -- how I'll miss visiting friends in NOLA this year for Mardi Gras. They've moved on - to Florida.
posted by ericb at 4:56 PM on January 5, 2006

Best answer: Call Gambino's. Totally authentic. Totally good.
posted by kuperman at 6:50 PM on January 5, 2006

(Gambino's is the real deal from NOLA. I always buy a king cake from their BR store for the work crew during Mardi Gras.)
posted by kuperman at 6:51 PM on January 5, 2006

Response by poster: Best answer goes to kuperman for the personal experience note. Thanks!
posted by MeetMegan at 6:36 AM on January 6, 2006

ditto on gambinos. but seriously king cakes are gross. ugh.
posted by radioamy at 11:21 PM on January 6, 2006

Ambrosia Bakery is also pretty damn good. We end up getting one of their Zulu cakes every year. But if you want an authentic king cake, for god's sake, third to gambinos. Come down and get some yourself. And tell your friends to move back home, the rebuilding is fine and the tap water is back to its usual state of disgusting.

/rabid new orleanian
posted by honeydew at 9:48 AM on January 13, 2006