Le Beaujolais est arrivé. Well, not quite yet. You see, French law mandates that Beaujolais Nouveau may not be uncorked until 12am on the third Thursday of November. But there’s no need to travel to France for the celebration because there are a few places in San Francisco where you can partake on Thursday November 17th!
On the classier side of things, ~ARLEQUIN WINE MERCHANT~ will be pouring 20+ wines at their sixth annual celebration featuring 2010 Cru Beaujolais and 2011 Beaujolais Nouveau from top Beaujolais vignerons (producers include Marcel Lapierre, Guy Breton, Jean-Paul Brun, Alain Coudert, Jean-Paul Thévenet, Jean Foillard, and Joseph Chamonard). The event is a rare chance to try bottlings from the top 10 cru villages of Beaujolais alongside some modern nouveau styles. Featured vintners work with very little mechanical or chemical means in order to reflect the very best of the gamay grape. Wines featured at the event will be available for a 10% off purchase at Arlequin. $25; pay at the door. 6pm-8m.
~GRAND CAFÉ~ is offering guests a taste of George Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau paired with an amuse bouche on the house. Listen to an accordion player while trying passed (and complimentary) hors d’oeuvres such as housemade duck sausage with quince chutney. Chef Alicia Jenish will prepare special entrées for the dining room including fried rabbit in gravy with a salad of watercress and heirloom apples. 4:30pm-8pm.
For those who want a full-tilt Nouveau experience, the VELVET ROOM at the Clift Hotel will be celebrating the release with a French-inspired DJ and can-can dancers performing burlesque. They will also be pouring Georges du Boeuf wines by the glass ($7) or by the bottle ($28) to go with a prix-fixe menu ($37) of French favorites. 8pm-11pm. 495 Geary St. at Taylor, 415-775-4700.
RIGOLO CAFÉ will be pouring the latest from Georges du Boeuf for the week of November 17th, but swing by on Saturday November 19th, when diners can enjoy a seasonal dinner while listening to Peter di Bono playing French music on the accordion. 3465 California St. at Laurel, 415-876-7777.
Salut!
