For a town below the Mason-Dixon line, our Southern charms are rather weak. (Beltway tailgater, we’re looking at you.)

But butter our biscuits if that isn’t about to change. Pastry chef David Guas, a native New Orleanian, brings a touch of his homeland’s sweetness with the new Red Velvet cupcakery.

Tuck into the ruby-colored namesake confection’s light-as-air cream cheese frosting or warm up with the Summertime, a tangy lemon/coconut treat. The Peanut Butter Cup and its salted peanut butter frosting couldn’t be tastier (unless, perhaps, it were served with a jar of sweet tea).

Cups of thick chocolat chaud inch toward ridiculous decadence.

A line we’re more than happy to cross.

Red Velvet, 675 E Street NW, at 7th Street (202-347-7895 or redvelvetcupcakery.com).