THE DISH

King Cake Season

While we may not be able to celebrate Mardi Gras in the traditional sense, at least we can still eat king cake. Some to try include those by Executive Pastry Chef Maggie Scales of the Link Restaurant Group. She is offering several flavors and sizes of king cakes at both Cochon Butcher and La Boulangerie. In addition to the traditional king cakes—available as a 6-inch individual ($9) and a 9-inch large ($30)—Scales is serving the famous Elvis (filled with peanut butter and banana, and topped with house-cured bacon, marshmallow and traditional Mardi Gras sprinkles) at Cochon Butcher. Meanwhile, La Boulangerie is offering a traditional French Galette des Rois (two rounds of puff pastry filled with almond cream and topped with a small porcelain feve), available in 8-inch rounds ($25) and 10-inch rounds ($40). 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2123, cochonrestaurant.com; 4600 Magazine St., 269-3777, Laboulangerienola.com.

GRAND DAME The New Orleans chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier— a society of professional women involved in the food, fine beverage and hospitality industries— has named founding board member and writer Beth D’Addono as its new president. After three years as founding president, Stephanie Carter stepped off the board to focus on other endeavors. In its short three-year history, the local Dames chapter has hosted a Legacy winner each year; established scholarships and grants; offered culinary programming, including a monthly virtual book club and happy hours; and formed a mentorship program. Lesdamesnola. org.

DIY CARNIVAL Another king cake option we love is Gracious Bakery’s new King Cake Kit, which contains everything you need to bake your own king cake at home. The kits sell for $12 and are available at Gracious Bakery, Fleurty Girl, Home Malone, Rouses, Zuppardos, King Cake Hub and Aunt Sally’s Pralines. 2854 St. Charles Ave., 301-9949, 4930 Prytania St., 300-8135, 1000 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy., Ste. 100, 321-6233, Graciousbakery.com.

GOURMET MARKET & EATERY Chefs and longtime friends Alison Vega-Knoll and Chris Wilson have opened Larder, a gourmet market and eatery on Veterans Boulevard in Metairie. Larder offers limited indoor and outdoor seating, with meals-to-go and a full range of breakfast and lunch items. The market features an extensive cheese and charcuterie case; Cajun Caviar; ready-to-serve soups, salads, vegetables and sides; and meat and seafood entrees. Other chef-sourced products are available, such as oils and vinegars, spices, coffee and wine and beer. 3005 Veterans Blvd., 766-6157, Lardergourmetmarket.com.

DELICIOUS DELICATESSEN Kellen Poindexter, a graduate of the Texas Culinary Academy in Austin, Texas, has opened Poindexter’s Delicatessen at the St. Roch Market. Poindexter has 17 years of experience in the culinary world, and his fresh deli concept focuses on sustainably sourced ingredients and goods. He balances fine flavor with easy mealtime options, offering flavorful salads, soups and a rotating menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner sandwiches. Add-on options include roasted, broiled and rotisserie-style meats and vegetables. Popular menu items include the savory prime rib French dip and the gooey grilled cheese. 2381 St. Claude Ave., Menu.politanrow. com/neworleans.

TACOS TAKE TWO Barracuda, the popular neighborhood taco stand and margarita garden on Tchoupitoulas Street, is opening a second location this spring in historic Algiers Point. In addition to bringing fresh takes on classic Mexican staples to the Westbank, Barracuda offers walk-up service and a covered, 50-seat margarita garden. Current menu staples, like the deluxe carne asada taco, is complemented by handmade, Sonoran-style corn tortillas and daily margaritas on tap. 446 Pelican Ave., Algiers, Eatbarracuda.com.