My first minute in New Orleans was just a touch frantic. My flight landed at 10:30 am, and I’d called ahead to the Bourbon Orleans to make sure I could check in early so I could shower before everyone else got there. I’d been up since 4 am you see, because would you believe there are no direct flights from my airport in Alabama to New Orleans? I thought for once — Yes! I will have a direct flight! No changing planes! No schlepping my bags all over the airport! No almost missing my second flight! Surely there had to be a direct flight, right? I mean I’m so close, I could almost drive there.
But sadly, it wasn’t in the cards. No direct flights. I had to connect through — I’m still wondering about this one — Houston??! In case you hadn’t guessed, I’m about twice as far away from Houston as I am New Orleans. Anyway. Oh, and the only flights I could find at all were at 6 am or 6 pm. I could get up and go to the airport at 4 in the morning, or I could arrive in New Orleans at midnight. For some reason, now unclear to me, I chose 4 am. But I certainly wasn’t showering at that hour.
The first thing I did upon checking in (before showering, which I sorely needed) was reach in my camera bag to snap a few photos of the room. And the lovely counter space. And the delicious beds. And that’s when I saw it. I’d left my beloved 24-70mm lens at home. After a minor freak out (and running a few circles around the room), I started calling every camera store in New Orleans, starting in the French Quarter and working my way out to see if anyone had a lens they could rent me for the week. About the 10th store I called put me on hold for what seemed like an eternity while I silently begged and pleaded for them to have my lens. Or not so silently. I was on hold, right?
A $30 cab ride from Hades later, I had my lens for the week. All was well again. And there, right next to the camera store, (as luck would have it) shining like a mirage in the dessert was Sucré.
I’d heard about Sucré from a reader, Tara, who blogs at Three Guys on a Mission. I love the comment she left for me. She starts off, “Oh, and because I know you NEED to know where the good cupcakes are…” and goes on to mention a few bakeries and must-see restaurants in New Orleans. Oh Tara. A woman after my own heart. I knew I had to check out Sucré.
I was not disappointed.
How darling are these cupcakes?
But that’s not all… macarons!
Adorable cakes!
Decadent amounts of chocolate!
And even a coffee bar, with a barista specializing in coffee art. My latte was a masterpiece. I wanted to order ten.
The even had these. Gelato. Sorbets. Shakes. Sundaes. Tons of flavors. I wish I’d had more time to spend in Sucré. I think I could live there, it has every food group: cupcakes, macarons, gelato and chocolate.
But I did take a giant bag of treats back to the hotel with me to share with Jenny and the other gals when they arrived. Somehow our room always ends up with treats!
Like this beautiful mini vanilla cake with almond buttercream.
And this gorgeous chocolate cupcake. What is that delicious looking snow-like powder dusted on the frosting?
Glitter + Cupcakes = A thousand times yes.
This hazelnut buttercream was the hands down winner.
I’m not a huge fruit dessert person, but I couldn’t pass up this pink strawberry cupcake.
And oh, the macarons.
Hello gorgeous! This honey lavender macaron was my favorite.
Photo via Marla Meridith
This Dark Chocolate Caramel Cookie was probably my favorite of all the treats. I can’t even describe it. But you can order one. Which I highly recommend.
Here’s the link to see more from this delightful bakery: Shop Sucré
I just love looking at this beautiful cake and know that, as with all your recipes, it tastes delicious!
I also love the Sucre’ Gelato Poboy!
Hola Amanda,
I’ve just found your blog and it’s beautiful :). I like that you can click on the pics to see the info about aperture, shutter, iso, etc…I’m learning and those three seem to me like the Bermuda Triangle. I have a question for you since you HAD TO go and rent a 24-70mm…what’s the difference between that one and a 17-50mm f/2.8 (this is the one I have)? And between the 24-70mm and the 50 mm f/1.4 (this is the one that I’ve been looking before I read your post about going crazy for not having your 24-70mm) :)
Thanks :)
Ilse
my boyfriend’s friend does the chocolates there. they are very good. if you go back, definitely grab a big box to go!
I live 60 miles north of New Orleans and we take day trips there all the time. We just went there last Friday. Every single time we go we stop at Sucre’. I love that place. Tariq really did a great job with these stores and now there’s one in Metarie too. I’m loving you’re post about New Orleans.
I live in Pensacola and my two daughters always want to go to NOLA. I really haven’t had a strong desire to go there but after looking at all your wonderful pictures and the places you visited it has become one of my places to see. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful pics, recipes, fonts, and ideas with us.
Yours from Pensacola,
Evelyn
oh my goodness YUM! Everything looks amazing, great pics!
Fantastic! Beautiful photos.
I have a Nikon D90 and I am really want a new LENs….can u suggest one for me…I love to take pictures and I am loving the way ur look…thanks so much for sharing..BTW I live in NO and love to see others view of this beautiful city ;)
~FELICIA
felicialetran@yahoo.com
The crab and oyster pictures give me the shivers.
Amanda, if I’d known Sucre was right there, I’d have told the driver to pick us up an hour early so we could stop for a latte and grab cupcakes for the plane ride! :)
Gorgeous shots of your fun trip! My mouth was drooling from the very start! What a great post and re-cap… thanks for sharing!
You have inspired me to learn how to take beautiful pictures!! I have been saving for my first DSLR camera and can’t wait to buy one! Can you suggest a good “starter” camera??? One that can take a really nice picture and won’t break my budget!?
PS: I have always wanted to try a french macaroon but have never had the chance. I’ve decided I MUST make it my weekend adventure to get my hands on one of those delicious treats!
Beautiful pictures, and wow Im drooling over all the yummy treats!!!!! I know you all had a fabulous time together!!!!!
Michelle Torres
decorater4life@aol.com
Lovely bakes! Glad to have redirected here by Twitter, love this space. It exuberant freshness and gorgeous food.
LOVE Sucre! I did a post myself when I traveled to NOLA in May. We loved our server there- aren’t they the best. And you missed out on those mini-cakes, I gotta tell ya! Love your blog!
http://didntitellyouthat.com/2011/04/19/the-sweets-of-new-orleans/
The glitter! So cute!
I love all of your blogs. I especially liked the ones where you scrapebooked the recipes. Did them all. Please have more of them. Thanks so much. AG
Hi from Russia!!! All of this so tasty & appetizing!!!! What it all!!!!
Oh my Goodness those pictures are just fabulous! And you always have the coolest ideas! Thanks for sharing them! :)
Wow, your pictures are amazing! I SO need dessert now!
What a treasure you found – and I’m geographically challenged, but Houston? Houston makes no sense whatsoever! Random.
Thanks for letting me know what the next lens “I” want is…24-70mm…anyone who takes a $30 cab ride to rent one must be labeled an “expert”. :)
Yum!!! Amazing photos. I’d be in trouble if I lived near a bakery like that. Everything looks so good!
Star Hughes Living
Ah – Just amazing! Your posts make me want to travel with you and Jenny (Obviously the two coolest bloggy chicks!) …. Photography and Chocolate … you had me at hello ;)
Awww, thank you for the shout-out! :) And I’m so glad you loved Sucre. I knew they wouldn’t disappoint, which is saying something when talking to a sweets connoisseur like yourself! I think there was hazelnut filling in a torte I got from there once, and it was one of the best things I’ve ever had. Next time you’re down here, we should meet for cafe au lait & Sucre sweets! :)
Amanda this post dazzles!! Sucre is a most certain gem of a sweet spot :)
These all look mind bogglingly good and your photos are gorgeous despite the lack of sleep : )
thank you so much for sharin your SWEET SURPRISE! will be checkin it out. yummy:)
If I had walked into that bakery, I’m that I would have never left.
that strawberry cupcake caught my eye. pink and sparkly and strawberry-y?! blowing my mind.
Holy Jehosaphat!! I want I want I want!!
So, besides stopping my heart repeatedly…I of course have a question:
Do you suppose they fold over the parchment paper to BAKE the cakes in or do they wrap them AFTER they are already baked? I love the simple look of that instead of stupid cupcake wrappers….
Evil. This store is evil. LOL
OFF TO SHOP!!!!
Thank you for sharing!
XOXO
M
Thanks for sharing some of your ‘food porn’ from your most recent trip, left my mouth watering!
Wow…..these are way too pretty to eat. But you could pull my leg to engorge in one. lol. I’m hoping one day I can taste one of these wonderful creations. A coffee bar sounds like a dream come true. Who doesn’t love a wonderful cup of coffee. Have a great summer. Thanks for sharing your yummy photos. Hugs, Becky
I want to go!
I really, really want to go there. *sigh* :)
Mmmm….I am so hungry now! Beautifully photographed, as ever.
There should be one of these bakeries in every town!
I love the way you write, Amanda. Simply feels as though you and I are in a room, having a chat – and eating these scrumptions treats! I am traveling with you next time-I would love to show up to a tray of sweets and treats, fresh off the plane! Yummy photos!
I can’t even tell you how strong the urge to lick my screen is right now. Gorgeous. Decadent. Now, to find a way to get myself there.
As I have spicy juice for breakfast on my awful juice fast I’m ‘eating’ up all these delicious photos of even more delicious cakes –
I would love this bakery…the sweets, smell, playful colors of frosting and sugar. I am adding it to my New Orleans “To-Do” list now!
Next time you are in NOLA let me know. would have loved to meet you. Although my BT crew would have liked it better if you would have brought the furkids along LOL…kknola (Woof!)
I am speechless as drool won’t stop drooling.
Hey!
I lived in NOLA for 4 years while attending Tulane University, and Sucre was my absolute favorite indulgence! I am glad you enjoyed it and everything else about New Orleans of course. I miss it!
Wow! Everything looks so pretty and lovely ;) I think I am going to order some Sucre sweets soon!!
Oh, my gosh. My computer screen is wet because my mouth is watering from those pictures. How delicious they look. Can you send one through the screen?
Oh yummy!! Next time I’m visiting here! Thanks for sharing!
I die! Lés sigh.
Amazing! YUM! I want to work there! Or at least have one down the road…
Hazelnut frosting = squeeeeeee!
Wow – I NEED to go there. Great photos!
Great photos!! I think your lens was left behind when you went on some other trip (LA maybe?). Anyways, just leave a note in your suitcase when you go to store it after your trip reminding you to pack the lens. :)
I agree! Glitter plus cupcakes! heaven!
OMG – These are all such beautiful colors even the chocolate. They just have to be wonderful.
All those treats look amazing. I’m sure it has a lot to do with the photographer. Great job!
I’ve been so inspired by your weight loss, but how the heck do you keep it off so well??? I have the exact same cravings as you do, it seems, and I’d be a MESS if I went to a bakery like that. Please tell me your secret?!
My bowl of Cheerios this morning seems so insignificant to all of the amazingness you showed! I want to eat it all. Now.
Mmmm…. Absolutely gorgeous photos! Delicious. Oh, but I’m sure the little Sucré’s marvels are not as tasty as they are a treat for the eye! That’s positive thinking for me, :-)
Oh my… I think I could live there too. Why do we not have anything like this in Australia. If we do…why haven’t I found it??? Thanks so much. I love reading about your adventures and the photography is always sooo amazing.
~Gretchen
The droolfest just went on and on with each flick of my scroll button. Wow.
Amazing!
And your photography just truly captured the essence of the lovely creations! And latte art…love that!
peach cobbler sundae. i dont know what to say.