I've heard about Mardi Gras King cakes and I was wondering if they are available year-round in New Orleans. Are there any bakeries in the French Quarter which sell King Cakes year-round? Thank you.

Yes they are available year-round in N.O. There are several bakeries in the FQ you could try. For good N.O. bakeries try McKenzie's and Gambinos.

Gambino's is my favorite, but I think McKenzie's had the original kingcake - if you can still find a McKenzie's open. They went into bankruptcy last year and were re-opened by a local group and are now in financial trouble again. There is also a place in Picayune (just across the state line in Mississippi) that ships king cakes year round. It's called Paul's - and I'm almost positive they have a website. Oh - there is no Gambino's in the French Quarter. There is a McKenzie's (if it's still open) on Iberville near Rampart. You may have to place an order with them in advance.

I think McKenzie's is kaput as a chain. It's no great loss (in my humble opinion) although many native New Orleanians still remember it fondly. I always found McKenzie's to be "mediocre quality food in a dirty store."

As for king cakes, I concur with the Gambinos choice. Also Haydel's (http://www.haydelbakery.com/) and Croissant d'Or in the French Quarter are great choices.

I don't know which bakery does it, but there is a place on the north shore (of Lake Pontchartrain) that has a chocolate/bavarian cream king cake. It's like a HUGE donut and boy is it good! Very non-traditional, though, so better stick with the others!

Chef Jean Luc at Maurice's Bakery in Metairie makes a FABULOUS French King Cake. Layers of pastry with a marzipan filling....YUMMY! 504-885-1526.
Rob

Okay I can't wait for Mardi Gras when my friends/family back home ship me one. I'm calling now!!! Cream cheese filling - YUMMMMMM! Remember to watch out for the plastic baby baked inside, I'm sure they'll be a warning label on the bag...Good luck & ENJOY!

John - I totally agree about McKenzie's - never quite got what all the fuss was about other than tradition. Haydel's is a very good suggestion. Of all the people I know, most had a strong preference about king cake faves - Gambino's, McKenzie's and Haydel's top the list.