LA FLORIDA HOSTS KING CAKE EVENT, OPEN HOUSE

PUBLIC INVITED TO SHARE NEW ORLEANS TRADITION, TOUR LUXURY HOME

January 29, , 2008

La Florida Coastal Properties L.L.C. will host a traditional Mardi Gras King Cake Coffee on Saturday, February 2 to celebrate the carnival season as well as showcase one of the area’s most luxurious bayfront homes. Les Bons Temps (meaning: the good times), a custom-designed waterfront estate that embraces the timeless artistry of Louisiana’s rich architectural heritage, will be open to the public at 329 Driftwood Point Road in the Mack Bayou area from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Celebrate the final weekend of the Mardi Gras season with King Cake baked by New Orleans’ venerable Haydel Bakery. According to tradition, the person who is served the piece of cake with the plastic doll inside will have good luck all year.The history of the King Cake began in 12th century France where the cake would be baked on the eve of January 6 to celebrate the visit to the Christ Child by the three Kings. A small token was hidden in the cake as a surprise for the finder. French settlers brought the custom to Louisiana in the 18th century, where it remained associated with the Epiphany until the 19th century when it became a more elaborate Mardi Gras custom. In New Orleans, the first cake of the season was served on January 6. A small ceramic figurine of a baby was hidden in the cake.

The classic king cake is oval-shaped. The dough is basic coffee-cake dough, sometimes laced with cinnamon, sometimes just plain. The baby hidden in the cake speaks to the fact that the three Kings had a difficult time finding the Christ Child and of the fine gifts they brought. The classic decoration is simple granulated sugar, colored purple, green, and gold (the colors of Carnival). The ceramic babies have been replaced with plastic ones. La Florida will provide beads for revelers to toss from Les Bons Temps courtyard balconies, following the Mardi Gras tradition. Green, purple and gold carnations that are traditionally offered to parade-watchers who catch a krewe member's eye will be in limited supply, so arrive early for the best shot at one of these much-sought-after favors. The stately home may be toured during the event, or by appointment. Call 850-231-7896 for directions or more information.

The King Cake Party is hosted by La Florida as part of the brokerage's Velocity ® program, which offers customized strategies for expediting sales of properties. LaFlorida is a real estate specialty firm, with an eye for business and investing. The organization has an extensive history of success in the field and has evolved into the ultimate brand for expertise, advice, and support. La Florida is a member of the Daytona Beach Area and Emerald Coast Associations of Realtors and a licensed real estate brokerage in the states of Florida and Alabama. Contact La Florida at 850-231-7896 or toll-free at 866-533-3429.