Photo credit: La Provence/Petite Provence
It’s almost Epiphany (January 6 on the Gregorian calendar), and that means king cake time … but more specifically for the purposes of this post, Galette des Rois time. Yes, “galette des rois” means “king cake” too, but this is different from the yeasted, multicolored cake made popular in New Orleans, as well as the Rosca de Reyes cake popular in Mexican culture—this cake is far simpler, and delicious in its own way. And La Provence/Petite Provence is where you can find it in Portland this year.
Galette des Rois is essentially sweetened almond cream surrounded by buttery puff pastry. It is traditionally eaten on and around Epiphany, whereas NOLA-style king cake is eaten throughout the entire pre-lenten season (Epiphany to Mardi Gras). It’s a fantastic treat and is available now at the various La Provence/Petite Provence locations. And this year they’ve added pear to the Galette des Rois.
One thing that is common between the other king cake styles and the Galette des Rois is the fève. It is placed in the cake somewhere for someone to find and is a fun surprise. Here’s an explanation fro the folks at La Provence/Petite Provence: “According to the tradition, inside the cake, a figurine (fève) is hidden that symbolically represents the king’s figure. Whoever finds the ‘fève’ becomes the King or Queen of the day!”
Give La Provence/Petite Provence a call at any of their stores to order your Galette des Rois. Each cake is $35.95. Pre-order and pre-payment are required.
La Provence/Petite Provence
Various locations throughout the greater Portland area
provencepdx.com
UPDATE 1/5/22: Eve Kuttemann, who runs a microbakery out of the Vue Apartments in downtown Portland, is also making Galette des Rois this year. And the offerings will last beyond Epiphany—they will be available throughout January, Wed-Sat each week. Head to her Instagram for more info on ordering.
Meg Cotner
Latest posts by Meg Cotner (see all)
- Get Ready for the 2025 Portland Fermentation Festival - September 24, 2025
- Lil’ Barbecue, Coming to the Woodlawn Neighborhood in Portland - September 23, 2025
- Allgood Brewing Will Open by the Farmhouse Carts in Portland - September 22, 2025
La Petite Provence has a noteworthy fruit tart. When I ordered it they said they needed 24 hours because the filling is made fresh and needs to set up. Although the tropical fruit and strawberry wasent so optimal- as expected bc it’s not in season now ( totally forgivable) the rest was fine. Overall this is a delicious, not too heavy tart to enjoy and is very visually pleasing.