With the new year comes Carnival, a particularly festive time for the people of New Orleans that paves the way for Mardi Gras. Carnival brings the delicious tradition of King Cake, the brightly colored, ring-shaped confection traditionally enjoyed by NOLA natives and visitors alike. Chef Kristen Essig, who called New Orleans home for more than 20 years before relocating to D.C. to open Dauphine’s, couldn’t imagine not recreating the iconic king cake for restaurant guests.

To bring a taste of New Orleans to DC, Dauphine’s will have freshly baked King Cakes available for pick-up once a week on Thursdays, starting Thursday, January 27 through the end of February and can be pre-ordered on the restaurant website now! The cake flavor will change weekly, with the lineup as follows:

• Traditional (plain) King Cake – January 27
• Bavarian Cream – February 3
• Spiced Apple – February 10
• Chocolate Satsuma – February 17
• Banana Praline – February 24

Cakes serve 20-24 slices, are $45 each, and include Mardi Gras beads and a collectible ceramic feve (fava bean) created in partnership with local artist Material Things.

Orders must be placed no later than two days before the pickup date.