The owners of The Bonbonnier are retiring and closing the shop on Feb. 25.

I liked the chocolate taste, but the cream cheese left too much of a lingering tang.

This will be the last year to get king cake from The Bonbonnier; the owners are retiring and closing the shop on Feb. 25.

I recently heard on the king cake streets that The Fresh Market (Norfolk, Newport News and Virginia Beach) is selling one from New Orleans’ famous Gambino’s Bakery. I had to verify. I’d eaten plenty in my days in Nawlins.

In the Beach store, the bakery tables were dressed with loaves of bread, fruit pies and cookies. No sign of the king. I asked a bakery staff member.

“Sure, we have them,” she said. “They’re in the freezer.”

I felt as if I’d opened the door to a speakeasy with a secret password.

She brought out a shrinkwrapped box, holding it face forward. The box read: “Fresh from New Orleans, The King of King Cakes since 1949, Joe Gambino’s Bakery.”

I bought one. Once home, I put a slice into the microwave for 15 seconds. I enjoyed its warm, fluffy and sticky goodness so much that I closed my eyes. Thoughts of New Orleans Mardi Gras flooded my memories. I remember standing on Canal Street wearing a green boa and a multicolored mask, yelling, “Throw me something, mister!” as the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club float rode past.

Still, Wegmans has my favorite. The La Louisiane was exceptional — plus it had that je ne sais quoi.

I revisited Wegmans recently to see if they had it in stock. Lauren Mize, the bakery manager, said the store ordered 60 cases, or

320 cakes (cream cheese-filled only), to arrive in early February. I recently checked Instacart; they are now available.

As for the Gambino’s, The Fresh Market had only the traditional flavor; it also sells its own version. I saw a Gambino’s in Kroger, too — someone else is hip to the joy it brings.

I also have to mention that La Brioche — a French bakery in Norfolk — baked galettes des rois until the end of January. I was too late to the party.

I plan to expand my king cake repertoire next year. Until then, laissez les bons temps rouler! — let the good times roll!