Today marks the annual autumn arrival of the year’s batch of Beaujolais Nouveau. The seasonal wine isn’t exactly most wine-snobs' favorite thing to sip, but tradition surrounds the simultaneous global uncorking of the vintage—and where there’s tradition, there’s excuse for a party, right? Here are some places to raise a glass tonight around Los Angeles.
Bouchon Beverly Hills: Thomas Keller’s bistro will be offering a three-course fixed menu of classic dishes for $48 per person and, for $32, you can add on a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau from Henry Fessy. They’re keeping the spirit of Beaujolais Day going until November 21.
Le Petit Paris: This large, date-night-worthy French restaurant Downtown will be popping open bottles from 7:30 to 9:30pm tonight to the tune of live jazz music brought in for the occasion.
Pitchoun French Bakery Café: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais will be available at Pitchoun until November 20 to enjoy along French café dishes including a special Thanksgiving éclair with apple, cinnamon, caramel and a gold-chocolate topping.
Monopole Wine: This Pasadena wine shop is giving Beaujolais Nouveau the full tasting treatment, comparing multiple vintages and producers. The tasting is Friday, November 18 at 5pm, admission is $15.
Monsieur Marcel: The Original Farmers Market location of this French restaurant. Classic accordion players will serenade diners tonight as they sip on Beaujolais de Bouchard Aîné et Fils.
Eat. Drink. Americano.: Want to see how Beaujolais compares to other wines you might know and love? On Saturday, Eat. Drink. Americano. will host a “Burgundy vs. Beaujolais vs. Pinot Noir” grand taste-off royale. Tickets are $99 per person and include tastings of a ton of different wines and a cheese and cracker plate.
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