Uncorking of 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau lets you visit France via wine glass
November 20, 2009
A young, fruity red wine that usually retails for less than $20 a bottle, Beaujolais Nouveau is a Thanksgiving table favorite. Here, one from Laboure-Roi makes its debut at Cyrano's Bistrot & Wine Bar in Chicago's River North district.
As a freelance journalist who writes about both travel AND food, I frequently find these two passions of mine intersect deliciously. For me—someone who’d rather spend her trips abroad checking out local eateries than traipsing through museums—uncovering the culture behind cuisine is a beautiful thing. That’s one of MANY reasons why I so adore spending time in France.
Travel with me to “TCW Travel Connection,” the blog I write for Today’s Chicago Woman magazine. In my latest post, I wax poetic about a MOST incredible meal I had Nov. 19 at Cyrano’s Bistrot & Wine Bar, a colorful and authentic French spot in Chicago’s chic River North ‘hood. As was the case at several eateries and special events around town, Cyrano’s was celebrating the official 2009 release of Beaujolais Nouveau, a fruity, food- and wallet-friendly red wine from France. (French law mandates this wine can be released no earlier than the third Thursday in November.)
Sitting there at Cyrano’s with one of my best friends, a glass of fruity young Beaujolais in my hand, I felt myself mentally transported from Chi-town to somewhere near the Seine. (But if you want to experience the real thing firsthand, Travel Intelligence provides some good deals on luxury travel throughout France.)
If only….
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9 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Carolyn van Es | November 21, 2009 at 1:43 am
you’re lucky you’ve found something that lets you travel a bit vicariously! My husband introduced me to the wonderful world of wine when we met. My favorite is California Zinfandel. Funny enough, it’s cheaper here than it is in the States. And you’re right, whenever I open a bottle, I’m back in DC and New Orleans (where we/I partook for the first time). Thanks for this post!
2.
urbantravelgirl | November 21, 2009 at 3:02 am
Ciao, Carolyn –
Not surprising that you Europeans are able to buy American wne CHEAPER in Europe than you can get it in States. Crazy, isn’t it?
I figure in this crazy economy, anything we can do to travel mentally to places we’ve been before and loved OR to travel vicariously to places far, far away is a GREAT thing. Cuisine evokes such elementary senses for all of us — and that’s why so many of our memories are tied to our taste buds.
Maureen
3.
Cynthia | November 21, 2009 at 8:49 am
I will have to try this wine. I haven’t been to France..yet (aiming for it next year) but this wine sounds delightful!
4.
urbantravelgirl | November 21, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Salut, Cynthia –
You know, Beaujolais is a lovely wine for people who don’t even DRINK. My friend Lisa, whose birthday we were celebrating at the dinner, doesn’t drink much at all, and she really enjoyed it. It’s nice and light and fruity. Which reminds me — just wrote myself a note to pick up a few bottles to take to my non-drinking parents’ house for Thanksgiving.
BONNE CHANCE (good luck) planning that getaway to France next year — I want to hear ALL about it!
Au revoir,
Maureen
5.
Kiratiana | November 23, 2009 at 2:23 am
I just had the hardest TIME trying to find some beaujoulais in Chicago! I went Swirl wine bar…and can you believe that they did not have it? How can you be a wine bar and not have the newest beaujoulais….Do you know of any other places that have the new wine?
6.
urbantravelgirl | November 23, 2009 at 7:24 am
Salut, Kiratiana –
QUEL DOMMAGE!! How crazy that it’s that tough to find Beaujolais in a “world-class” city like Chicago! I know they were serving it at Cyrano’s Bistrot & Wine Bar on North Wells (as I mentioned). Kiki’s Bistro @ 900 N. Franklin also had a special dinner, so perhaps they still have some by the glass.
But I DID pick up two bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau Joseph Drouhin — which I also enjoyed @ Cyrano’s Thursday night — at Fox & Obel for just $12.99 each! So perhaps you’ll need to host your OWN wine tasting — but they had several bottles at that price and at $17.99 on Sunday night, so hopefully the supply is still there.
Bonne chance!
Maureen
7.
Conni | December 28, 2009 at 7:04 pm
I am 37 year old African American married, mother of two and taking my first trip abroad with a girl friend in July 2010. What sights, places to eat, events,must-do/see items would you recommend to get the most out of our experience? I would definitely like a great cultural experience to take home to my girls.
Thanks
8.
urbantravelgirl | December 29, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Ciao, Conni — and thanks for visiting! First, congrats for choosing to go abroad with your girlfriend next year! But what a HUGE question. I guess I’ll answer with some questions for YOU:
* Where are you and your friend considering traveling?
* Will your daughters be traveling with you (or will you just be sharing stories when you return?)
I’ll happily answer your question but I need a better idea of where you’re thinking of going. Very broadly, I’d suggest that you look for locals-only hangouts (restaurants, jazz clubs, etc.), to give yourself a real feel for the culture and not just a cookie-cutter “tourist” one. And depending where you’re going, I’d even recommend renting an apartment to give you a real “local” experience. But if you’re going someplace you’ve never been and have limited language skills, then perhaps a hotel will be more comfortable.
Write me back with YOUR answers and I’ll make some suggestions!
Maureen
9.
urbantravelgirl | January 3, 2010 at 7:39 am
Hello again, Conni — and sorry for the delayed response!
So you’re going to merry olde England — sounds wonderful!! July should be a nice time to travel to London. I’ve visited there a few different times, but at various times of the year (can’t remember if I’ve ever been there in the summer, though). You mentioned Black Paris Tours — which actually is run out of PARIS by Ricki Stevenson — but I didn’t know she’d expanded the business to take in sights on the other side of the Channel!
Sounds like you’ve got many of the traditional tourist sites covered. A couple others that would be great to see: Westminster Abbey (a magnificent church that’s definitely worth visiting for an actual worship service, if you’re so inclined) and the Tower of London (which contains SO much history and offers great tours). London’s one of those cities where you’ll never be able to do it ALL, but a few other things I’d suggest if you’re interested:
* Afternoon tea at Harrod’s (or the Ritz, if you really feel like splurging): The Brits have raised tea to an art form, and there’s nothing like a leisurely, ladylike afternoon in a gorgeous setting sipping on tea, enjoying finger sandwiches and scones with Devonshire cream. It may seem a bit stilted, but go with it. I went to tea at Harrod’s with my sister and mom a few years back and just LOVED the entire experience!
* The Orangery Restaurant at Kensington Palace: Another LOVELY place for a spot of tea — or just to look out over the gardens — is here, on the grounds where Princess Diana used to live (http://www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace/cafesandrestaurants.aspx). This restaurant serves tea, champagne, afternoon tea, and other delights — but it’s just a gorgeous place to dine and afterward to stroll the grounds.
* Portobello Market: You’ll find this two-mile-long market on Portobello Road in the tony ‘hood of Notting Hill (exit the Tube, or Underground, at the “Notting Hill Gate” station and you’re there in five minutes). It’s an outdoor market that sells antiques, clothing items, jewelry — just lots of STUFF. But there are wonderful permanent shops surrounding the outdoor stalls, as well, not to mention lots of restaurants and pubs when you get hungry or thirsty. I believe it’s only open on Saturdays, but definitely worth a trip.
* Brixton: If you want to see where many of the Afro-Caribbean (and other folks of color) live, check out this lively part of town. It’s super-diverse, full of interesting places to eat, hear music and people-watch. It can be a bit “edgy” in places, so put your big city-girl hat on as you walk around.
* Camden Market area: Another fab outdoor market — and one that’s very trendy and cool — is Camden Market (http://www.camdenmarkets.org/). In northwest London, it’s got tons of stalls filled with all sorts of edible and wearable merchandise. It’s just a neat place to go, stroll, nosh and drink, and check out. The people-watching alone will probably be worth the trip.
I’ll write again if I think of some other must-see places. But despite its size, London is a very walkable city and one that’s well worth strolling about. You’ll never be able to do or see it all in a week’s trip, and that’s fine — just gives you a reason to plan a return visit! Have a great time!!!
Maureen
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