07 January 2011

18 Happy Kings ... or Queens

As a footnote to yesterday's post about the Feast of the Kings, I read this morning that 18 boulangeries in the French bakery chain "Moulin de Païou," situated primarily in the south of France, have each sprinkled one very special fève into one of their galettes des Rois (Kings' cakes) this season.

According to the story, each special fève will grant the finder the right to redeem it for a small diamond (approximately .25 carat) worth about EUR 250.   Those who find the special fèves have until 15 February to notify the chain.  Last year, the Moulin de Païou chain offered a free bottle of cider to each purchaser of two galettes.  This year, they decided to be more original.

Evidently people have been coming from far and wide to purchase these galettes in the hope of ultimately receiving diamonds.  One boulanger reports that his sales have gone up 72% over those during the same period last year.

While Googling the chain, I found that Moulin de Païou also has at least one Swiss franchise.  It's located in Gland, not far from where I live in Switzerland.  I am selfishly glad to see that the Swiss franchise is not participating in the diamond frenzy.  I would have hated to miss all the excitement.

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