Paul’s Pastry owner, Sherry Thigpen, received a sweet surprise this week when she learned her king cake won Southern Living’s 2015 King Cake Faceoff.
However, Thigpen said she’s unsure how her pastry became a finalist.
“I didn’t even know we were nominated,” Thigpen said. “I received an email from a customer who told me that Paul’s was in the top eight.”
People around the country voted for their favorite Mardi Gras pastry on Southern Living’s website.
Southern Living is a monthly publication that highlights the beauty and culture of the south, the website states.
According to the website, there were three rounds. Eight bakeries were in round one, four in the second round and two in the championship round.
Paul’s king cake was included with four bakeries in New Orleans including Manny Randazzo’s, Sucre´, Haydel’s and The Original McKenzie’s. Lafayette, Louisiana’s Poupart Bakery and Baton Rouge’s Ambrosia were also in the top eight. Bayou Bakery in Arlington, Virginia rounded out the original eight.
Thigpen said she received emails from friends and family throughout the country telling her they voted.
“I heard from people in California, Ohio, New Jersey and Texas,” Thigpen said. “They all wanted to let me know they voted for Paul’s. It’s awesome and I know this honor comes from our customers, family and friends. We are excited and very thankful.”
As a gesture of thanks, Thigpen said customers who present a screenshot of the Southern Living championship picture will receive $2 off their king cake. This special will last until Feb. 28.
A complete listing of locations selling Paul’s king cakes
in and around Mississippi can be found at www.paulspastry.com.
The bakery is located at 1 Sycamore Rd., Suite A and is open Monday through Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Paul’s is closed on Sundays.
Follow the bakery on Facebook at Paul’s Pastry Shop.
Learn more about Southern Living magazine at www.southernliving.com.
Learn more about the King Cake Faceoff 2015 at http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/2015/02/17/and-the-2015-king-cake-faceoff-champion-is/#comments.