This Thursday: Celebrate France and Beaujolais Nouveau

On the third Thursday of November, Beaujolais Nouveau hits the world. It is the first taste of the 2015 vintage and in France, it’s a celebration of wine, the year and the region. And in Philadelphia we hate to miss a party, so many Philadelphia bars and restaurants offer pours, specials and in one case, a dinner cooked by a former Le Bec Fin executive chef.

The biggest celebration happens around Midtown Village. Vintage, Barbuzzo, Jamonera, Time, Franky Bradley’s and even McGillin’s all get in on the fun. And this year, 10% of proceeds will go to the French Red Cross.

Some specific events in Midtown Village include:

• Vintage Wine Bar – Complimentary pours of Beaujolais Nouveau, passed bites, and of course berets and mustaches. There will also be live music courtesy of Beau Django.
• Barbuzzo – A $15 Winemaker’s Board will include cured meats, chicken liver-foie gras, baguette and walnuts. A
  glass of Beaujolais is $7.
• Jamonera – Get the Beaujolais coca plate for $10. It includes urgelia, beaujolais braised pork shoulder, brussel sprout leaves and marconas. A glass of Beaujolais $7.
• Marcie Blaine Artisanal Chocolate – The store within Verde is offering 20% off store wide and sample Beaujolais Wine Truffles 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• McGillin’s Olde Ale House – $5 glasses of Beaujolais and half-priced crocks of French onion soup.

Peter Woolsey will be back in the kitchen at Bistrot La Minette to collaborate with chef Kenneth Bush in creating a menu to pair with cru Beaujolais and of course Beaujolais Nouveau. Check out the menu here.

A.kitchen, which has one of the best wine lists in the city is getting into the spirit. Look for the Rittenhouse restaurant to be pouring JP Brun Beaujolais Nouveau all evening.

All three Tria Cafe locations will be celebrating the young wine with $7 glasses of Beaujolais Nouveau “Terres Dorées,” Jean-Paul Brun and Beaujolais Nouveau, Domaine Marion Pral.

Former Le Bec Fin chef Steve Eckerd will be in the kitchen of Fishtown’s Kensington Quarters for the evening. He’s doing a six-course, $60 per person dinner upstairs at KQ. There is a 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. seating. A $20 wine pairing will also be available (and PLCB willing, some actual Beaujolais Nouveau 2015 to drink).

Steve Eckerd’s Beaujolais Dinner Menu

And not exactly a Beaujolais Nouveau event, we can’t talk about a day of French celebrations without mentioning that The Good King Tavern is celebrating its second anniversary with a reservations-free party. It will be an open house with some seats, lots of room to stand and guest sommeliers pouring wine. There will also be a menu of small bites available a la carte.