A Flurry of Fêtes Françaises

 
 
Written by Andrea and Anita
December 4, 2009
 

Photos courtesy of Tom Wilcox

Greg's List DC’s Food and Culture Editors began the holiday season a tad early this year by checking out several events at one of Greg's List DC's preferred venues—La Maison Française. A Simply Sparkling Evening The early November champagne tasting fundraiser was a treat, both for artistic palettes and tasting palates. The event featured a wide selection of champagnes from that eponymous region of France accompanied by tasty samplings from over a dozen of DC's favorite chefs. We enjoyed French nibbles from La Bergerie (our favorite was the decadent braised pork belly served with black lentils and miso sauce) but also fell for Zentan’s Singapore slaw—a light, crunchy mix of 19 different ingredients, topped with salted plum dressing and toasted hazelnuts. An extensive silent auction, live orchestra, and raffle rounded out the evening. A Not-so-Nouveau French Tradition in DC We also attended the 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration to mark the annual arrival of this wine (always on the third Thursday of November). At the event, we enjoyed free-flowing Beaujolais Nouveau, a country buffet of pates, meats, and terrines from D’Artagnan, delicious Patisserie Poupon pastries and—surprise—a Michael Jackson tribute! (In case you're wondering what MJ has to do with Beaujolais, we’re still working on it.) Those who weren’t getting down on the dance floor could peruse the artistic works for sale through the silent auction, purchase a raffle ticket for a trip to Paris, or just chat up the delightful company—always a melange of ages, interests, and nationalities. Join us for a Holiday in Paris The upcoming Holiday in Paris, sponsored jointly by the French-American Cultural Foundation and La Maison Française, will help support programming for the 2010 cultural season. Originally scheduled for the 4th, this year's holiday party has been moved a little closer to Noel. We will enjoy seeing snow on the faux Champs-Elysées and sampling hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and other festive treats on the café terrace. Another lavish silent auction will secure attendees holiday gifts. The Parisian-inspired buffet, free-flowing libations, music, and dancing will be the thing to get us into the spirit of the holiday season—and just in the nick of time!
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