Celebrate Carnival Season with Cricket King Cake. That’s Right ... Crickets!
Cricket king cake available to sample at Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is "enhancing" the signature delicacy of the Carnival season for those craving something a bit more exotic. Cricket king cake is available to sample in the museum's popular insect kitchen, Bug Appétit, through Lundi Gras.
"At Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, we like to celebrate the holidays, bug style! Why would Mardi Gras be any different? Because king cakes are a big part of the Carnival season, we decided to offer our guests a chance to eat a special cricket topped king cake."
The king cake is filled with roasted crickets, which according to Necaise lends "a nice nutty flavor," and is topped with a crickety crunch on top, similar to a danish with pecans. Necaise adds, "And of course, it's decorated with purple, green and gold sugar…we couldn’t call it a king cake without that!"
The 23,000-square-foot attraction is the largest free-standing museum in the United States dedicated to insects. Thousands visit Bug Appetit every year, where exotic culinary creations are prepared by Audubon bug chefs along with fun lessons about how insects are an important alternative source of protein and a culinary delight if cooked correctly.
"So let your hair down and party with the thousands of bugs here at the Insectarium," said Necaise. "Bring your krewe on down for a slice of cricket king cake, throughout the Carnival season. You’ll be glad you did!"
Cricket king cake samples are available through Lundi Gras, Monday, February 27, 2017. The tastings are included with general admission while supplies last. Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium will be closed Mardi Gras day, Tuesday, February 28, 2017.
Advance tickets are recommended and can be purchased by visiting AudubonNatureInstitute.org or at any Audubon Nature Institute attraction. Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is located at 423 Canal Street in downtown New Orleans in the U.S. Custom House.
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Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.