Only six more shopping days until the arrival of this year’s beaujolais nouveau, and I still haven’t figured out what to get my wife. Maybe a table at one of these sterling events:
– First to pop the cork will be Un Grand Cafe, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, whose beaujolais nouveau party takes place at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. Guests will nibble on regional specialties from the kitchen. At 12:01 a.m. (having moved into Thursday, however slightly), beaujolais from four producers will be uncorked and sampled. Guests will be able to purchase bottles at the end of the celebration. Cost is $12; call 312-348-8886.
– The annual beaujolais nouveau celebration at Le Titi de Paris, 1015 W. Dundee Rd., Arlington Heights, takes place Thursday (seatings begin at 5:30 p.m.). At least six beaujolais will be available, along with a five-course menu priced at $37.50. Call 708-506-0222.
– A reception introducing this year’s beaujolais nouveau begins at 6 p.m. Thursday at Le Meridian Chicago hotel, 21 E. Bellevue Pl. Following will be a four-course dinner at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $38.95; call 312-266-2100, ext. 5074.
– 1776, the thoroughly American restaurant at 397 S. Virginia St., Crystal Lake, offers tastings of French and American beaujolais nouveaux as part of a four-course dinner on Thursday. Cost is $29.50; call 815-356-1776.
– A big party is planned beginning at 8:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at St. Germain, 1210 N. State Pkwy. The celebration features the uncorking of Sylvain Fessy winery’s beaujolais nouveau (and other Sylvain Fessy wines), a buffet of French cuisine, live jazz music and a raffle of prizes such as autographed wines, food and wine gift baskets and more. Cost is $22; call 312-266-9900.
– The ninth annual Fete Du Beaujolais Nouveau, hosted by the French-American chamber of commerce, takes place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Knickerbocker Hotel, Walton Place at Michigan Avenue. Wine tastings, a buffet of French food, dessert table, music and a prize raffle (the biggie is a trip to Paris and Monte Carlo) are included. Tickets are $30 advance, $40 at the door. Call 312-263-7668.
