Beaujolais Nouveau isn't exactly a critically lauded wine, but look—you're already going out, so why not get some deals on wine and French food? The light-bodied, fruit-forward French wine debuts each year on the third Thursday in November. The gamay grapes are picked as late as September and the wine is intended to drink immediately. Here's where to get it.
Mon Ami Gabi will have food specials to pair with the wine from November 19-25. Try Beaujolais-style cream of white bean and garlic soup, sauteed halibut and red and black currant sorbet.
At Bistrot Margot, bottles will be cracked starting at 3pm, so you might want to sneak out of work early. The restaurant will also have special dishes to pair with the wine.
Paris Club Bistro & Bar celebrates with a tasting from 6–8pm. The walk-around tasting will feature Beaujolais Nouveau plus two-dozen other wines from the region. Tickets are $35 and can be reserved by emailing parisclubparties@leye.com or calling 312-595-0800.
The Chicago French Market will host a release party—grab a bottle to take home from Pastoral, and snack on the $10 charcuterie plate and beer from Frietkoten Belgian Fries & Beer for $10. Chicago Gypsy Project will play music from 4:30–6:30pm.
Bistronomic will be toasting the wine all weekend long with a three-course meal perfect for pairing. For $39 per person, you can choose from dishes like house-made country terrine, fish of the day with chestnut puree and floating island for dessert.