NEW ORLEANS — As Carnival season ramps up, several New Orleans restaurants and organizations have rolled out Mardi Gras–themed food offerings and hospitality experiences, from king cake–inspired cocktails to limited-run desserts and parade-viewing packages.
Gris-Gris Carnival Cocktails and King Cakes
Gris-Gris has brought back its King Cake Daiquiri, a seasonal cocktail made with brioche-infused spiced rum, cinnamon demerara, Gambino’s rum cream, amaretto and vanilla soft serve, with half-gallon pre-orders available.
Next door at Gris-Gris to Go Go, the team is debuting a new king cake program called “Let’s Get King Cakes,” produced in-house by managers Alexia Doussan and Mady Price. The lineup includes traditional cinnamon, cream cheese, cherry and Chantilly berry varieties. Filled king cakes require 48-hour advance pre-orders.
Mardi Gras Grandstand Passes Return at Saint John
In the French Quarter, Saint John has announced the return of its Mardi Gras Grandstand Passes, offering reserved parade viewing and hospitality amenities in front of the restaurant.
VIP grandstand tickets include access to private upstairs rooms with balcony views overlooking the parade route, a private bar with drink tickets and restroom access. Food add-ons are available for purchase and large group bookings are also offered. Tickets are available through Resy or directly through the restaurant.
NOCCA Foundation Launches 2026 King Cake Program
The NOCCA Foundation has launched its 2026 king cake program, featuring the limited-run offerings Chef Frank Brigtsen’s Strawberry Tres Leches King Cake, available Jan. 19–29.
“Our king cake program is a great example of the teaching projects we employ to prepare tomorrow’s chefs for successful careers,” said Dana D’Anzi Tuohy, chair of NOCCA’s Culinary Arts program. “It teaches our students about the process of dreaming up and perfecting a product, and how to get that product into the hands of hungry fans. It also teaches them about the value of developing professional connections — connections that our faculty of professional chefs are fortunate to have with industry legends like Emeril Lagasse and Frank Brigtsen.”
Returning selections include “The Goddess,” created in partnership with the Krewe of Muses, as well as NOCCA’s gluten-free cinnamon and satsuma almond king cakes. Prices start at $27, with nationwide shipping available through the NOCCA Marketplace.
