Reviews
"King cake season is this really communal experience that I think defines Mardi Gras New Orleans in general," said Matt Haines, the author of "The Big Book of King Cake," an archive of some of the city's tastiest cakes., "For years we've been hearing, 'Someone should write a book about the history of the king cake.' Well, Matt Haines has done it, telling its incredible story through the eyes of seventy-five New Orleans-area bakers, painting a vibrant picture of our region's diversity and its tug of war between tradition and modernity. BRAVO!" -- Arthur Hardy , Publisher, Mardi Gras Guide, Haines gave us a peek into what he learned about the history of the king cake and how it became an enduring symbol of Carnival. Flip through the digital edition below to read more., "No mere dessert, king cake in New Orleans is a beloved tradition, a creative muse, and an emblem of home. King cake culture runs deep, and Matt Haines gives you an inside look at what makes it so vibrant and delicious." -- Ian McNulty , Food Writer, The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate, [The Big Book of King Cake] offers readers a different side to the colorful confectionary as Haines also discusses historical background of some of the makers and highlights unconventional king cake options., "We love everything about king cake! The explosion of different styles in the last thirty years mirrors the explosion in New Orleans food. The creativity is exciting and just plain fun. The tradition of getting the baby and having to bring the next king cake is so New Orleans. And so is this book by Matt Haines--so New Orleans and so overdue." -- Ti Adelaide Martin & Lally Brennan , Co-Proprietors of James Beard Award-Winning Restaurant Commander's Palace, Filled with vivid imagery and profiles of bakers such as Joy the Baker, Jack Rose, and Brennans, this book is pure inspiration. It includes photographs of profiled bakers' versions of the treasured cake but there are only three recipes in the book., "This book is the most comprehensive collection of New Orleans king cakes that exists! Flipping through the pages is like watching our beautiful traditions come to life in historic and modern ways, all the while making us very hungry." -- Alon Shaya , James Beard Award-Winning Chef and Founder, Pomegranate Hospitality, "We love everything about king cake! The explosion of different styles in the last thirty years mirrors the explosion in New Orleans food. The creativity is exciting and just plain fun. The tradition of getting the baby and having to bring the next king cake is so New Orleans. And so is this book by Matt Haines--so New Orleans and so overdue." -- Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan , Co-Proprietors of James Beard Award-Winning Restaurant Commander's Palace