NEW ORLEANS – King Cake Drive-Thru is continuing their exclusive Chef Series featuring three iconic New Orleans chefs.
Each Chef Series will take place at Duckworth Tires (1009 Metairie Rd.) on specific weekends throughout the season from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (or sold out). These limited-edition king cakes, available only at King Cake Drive-Thru, will showcase unique flavors and techniques that organizers share will push king cakes beyond their classic form.
Every weekend, a different chef will debut an exclusive, never-before-seen king cake creation, blending tradition with their signature culinary style.
“New Orleans chefs are known for pushing boundaries, and this series lets them do just that…through king cake,” said Mike Graves, chief cake officer. “These are flavors you won’t find anywhere else, picked up in the most accessible way possible.”
Meet the Chefs
Chef Camille Staub (Jan. 24 – 25)
Porgy’s
236 N Carrollton Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70119
Guided by a sourcing ethos rooted in short, transparent supply chains, working directly with individual fishermen and trusted local brokers, Porgy’s is the only market of its kind connecting New Orleans consumers directly to Louisiana’s traditional, multigenerational, independent fisheries.
Chef Camille Staub will be making a king cake layered with pimento cheese and tender crab, reimagined as a savory classic.
Chef Sophina Mao (Jan. 31 – Feb. 1)
Mister Mao
4501 Tchoupitoulas St.
New Orleans, LA, 70115
Recently honored with a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand distinction, Mister Mao has been recognized for its exceptional quality and value in the esteemed Michelin Guide for the American South. The cooking refuses to stay in one lane, pulling from Asian and Indian traditions while roaming freely across borders.
King cake description to be released the week of.
Chef Arkesha Smith Baquet (February 14 – 15)
Li’l Dizzy’s
1500 Esplanade Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70116
The legendary Baquet family is one of New Orleans’ great Creole-soul food dynasties, with roots in Creole cuisine that run deep in the city’s history. Since the 1940s, the Baquets have operated ten restaurants across New Orleans. Li’l Dizzy’s, a beloved Tremé institution, is the last remaining. The relaxed neighborhood spot is best known for its fried chicken and fish, gumbo, red beans, and other classics.
King cake description to be released the week of.
Date/Time
Normal hours of operation are Friday thru Sunday from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (or until sold out) throughout the Mardi Gras season (rain, snow or shine).
Plans for pop-up locations in other cities are as follows:
Jan. 24 – Bay St. Louis, MS
Jan. 31 – Baton Rouge, LA
Feb. 14 – Houston, TX
Expect bakeries with longstanding legacies such as Caluda’s, Caywood & Randazzo’s, Hi-Do, plus also, up-and-coming names like La Vie En Rose and Heavenly Hands (selections include variety of size, range of filling, consideration of food allergies such as gluten free, etc.).
Every Thursday evening, the upcoming weekend’s menu drops with new bakeries and flavors via social media.
All forms of transportation are encouraged. Walk-ups are welcome (drive-thru is prioritized). Card only. First come, first served.
To keep up with the weekly rotating menu and chef series schedule, follow King Cake Drive-Thru via @kingcakedrivethru (Instagram), @kingcakedrivethru (Tiktok), and ‘King Cake Drive-Thru’ (Facebook).