It's Almost Beaujolais Nouveau Time!

In previous years, it's been an elegant, black-tie affair. This year, it returns to its popular roots as a festival of the people. Seattle's Beaujolais Nouveau festival has long been a time to eat good food, drink decent wine and have fun. Still sponsored by the French-American Chamber of Commerce (who else?), but without the pressure of raising tens of thousands of bucks.

It's a French tradition to welcome the first wines from the new vintage – in this case, the famous Beaujolais Nouveau. The ceremonial uncorking takes place in in cafés all over France; around the world, its arrival signals the end of the harvest and the beginning of the fall holiday season.

This year's event, this coming Friday--held not at a fancy hotel but at the Lake Union Armory--will feature a “walk-about” wine tasting of regional wines from Burgundy and the Rhone Valley, paired with a wide array of food. A French-themed “village” will offer samplings of products from French restaurants and shops. Live and silent auctions as well; Cornichon has donated a pub-crawl through Belltown.

More than 400 Francophones and Francophilesare expected to attend. Price is $60 for members of the French-American Chamber of Commerce, $70 for non-members. Discounts for groups of 10. To buy tickets online for the Seattle event, go to beaujolaisnouveau.wordpress.com and click on "Purchase Tickets." Do it today or tomorrow!

The International Kitchen
Cooking school vacations in Italy, France & Spain.

The International Vineyard, a new way to learn about wine in France, Italy and Spain: three-night programs for wine lovers in less-traveled regions.

The International Kitchen, the leading source for culinary vacations in France and Italy.

French Word-A-Day, fascinating lessons about language and daily life in Provence

Belltown Messenger, chronicle of a Seattle neighborhood's denizens, derelicts, clubs, bars & eateries. Restaurant reviews by Cornichon.

Small Screen Network, where food & drink celebrities like Robert Hess have recorded terrific videos.

French Chef Sally is my friend Sally McArthur, who hosts luxurious, week-long cooking classes at the Chateau du Riveau in the Loire Valley.

Local Wine Events.com, the worlds leading Food and Wine tasting calendar. Spirits and Beer events as well. Post your own event or sign up to be notified when new events are po sted to your own area.

VinoLover, Seattle wine promoter David LeClaire's bulletin board of tastings, dinners and special events.

Wine Educator Dieter Schafer maintains a full schedule of Seattle-area tastings and seminars for amateur wine drinkers and professional alike.

Nat Decants, a free wine e-newsletter from Natalie MacLean, recently named the World's Best Drink Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia. Wine picks, articles and humor; no ads.

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