Parade of Desserts: H-Town’s Sweetest Mardi Gras Grub

Parade of Desserts: H-Town’s Sweetest Mardi Gras Grub

The Raspberry King Cake from Common Bond (photo by Andrew Hemmingway)

THE BIG BASHES may have been canceled, but here are the most Insta-worthy Mardi Gras treats you can enjoy at home. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

COMMON BOND There's nothing common about the King Cakes at Common Bond this year! Chef David Berg, the cult-classic bakery chain's executive pastry chef, is delighting Houstonians with two options this year. The sweet brioche cake — covered in royal icing and topped with purple, green and gold sugar and Mardi Gras beads — comes in a traditional (but decidedly not boring) cinnamon ($26) or a raspberry cream cheese ($28). Or channel some serious Fat Tuesday energy and snag both flavors for $50!

DESSERT GALLERY BAKERY & CAFE With a tagline "Calories Only Count After Mardi Gras," Upper Kirby go-to Dessert Gallery is definitely on to something. Colorful cakes and cookies are available for pre-order, and the sweet shop also has tons of adorable creations celebrating Black History Month.

MICHAEL'S COOKIE JAR Come for the cookies, stay for the King Cake at Michael's Cookie Jar! The local hotspot is accepting orders now through Feb. 13 for their larger-than-life treats that will undoubtedly help kick off the new year in style. Don't wait to order your cinnamon-roll-dough-filled cake with cookie butter, cream cheese and cinnamon.

FAT CAT CREAMERY Fat Cat and Fat Tuesday? What a match made in heaven. Head to the Houston fave, which just opened a second location in the new Stomping Grounds development in Garden Oaks, for your Michael's Cookie Jar King Cake slice, topped with your choice of ice cream. And here's the real scoop: Each shop has limited supply, so call ahead — or roll the dice and enjoy another Fat Cat flavor if they're out!

THREE BROTHERS BAKERY Feast your eyes on the intricate creations at Three Brothers Bakery! Full cakes start at $20, but for those looking for a bite-size treat, there are cupcakes — or dipped-and-decorated cookies and petit fours adorned with a classic fleur de lis. (P.S. They have Super Bowl sweets, too!)

Food
Spa-tacular Getaway Opportunity: Retreat to Mexico this Summer with a Houston Wellness Expert

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS SUMMER, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

Alejandra and Edgar Rincon. Patty and Karl Schmidt

ONE OF THE most feel-good fetes of the year, the 2025 Make-A-Wish Gala once again broke records, raising a whopping $1.8 million for the Gulf Coast and Louisiana chapter of the organization.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

SUPPORTERS OF THE Houston organization BRASS (Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists) celebrated the group’s 30th anniversary at a beautiful River Oaks home. BRASS president Elsie Eckert and a former BRASS scholar Sharon Bright were among those who welcomed everyone to the event.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties