Before heading to the table for Thanksgiving dinner, grab a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau on Thursday, November 15th. Like in France, many restaurants and bars in Los Angeles are celebrating the release of this year’s new wine, made from from young grapes grown and handpicked in the Beaujolais region. Here’s an overview of places to ring in this new drink:
Three days of festivities at Pitchoun Bakery
To drink by the shot, by the glass, or by the bottle, come to Pitchoun Bakery (in Downtown and Beverly Center) from Thursday the 15th to Sunday the 18th. The Souliès family bakery will share their tradition of offering customers shots of Beaujolais Nouveau all day long, and more if it’s good this year. Pitchoun Bakery and Café, 545 S Olive Street, Los Angeles.
A musical meal at Monsieur Marcel
The third Thursday of the month, many French people come to The Original Farmer’s Market. Per usual, Beaujolais Nouveau from Bouchard Aîné & Fils flows freely on Thursday, November 15 at Monsieur Marcel. Offered as a taste, the bottle will also be for sale at the shop, and by the glass at tables. To accompany this drink, the restaurant has created a special menu for $49, consisting of rabbit stew and chicken with morel mushrooms. To taste the wine in a festive ambiance, the restaurant has hired the musical group The Sparrow, who pay homage to Edith Piaf and other famous French singers with some classic accordion music. Monsieur Marcel, Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles.
A late party at the Alliance Française de Pasadena
If you’re not free on November 15th, you can still try this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau two weeks later. The Alliance Française de Pasadena is planning a meal to accompany the wine tasting. This is also an occasion to discuss your love for French culture with other Francophiles. French Alliance of Pasadena, 232 N Lake Avenue, Pasadena. Thursday November 29th, 7 to 9 pm. Price: free for members, $10 for outside guests.
Beef bourguignon at Petit Paris
Every institution in Los Angeles has its preferred vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau. At Petit Paris, which transports its customers to Paris via its elegant decor, Beaujolais Georges Deboeuf is served by the glass or by the bottle on Thursday, November 15th. The Downtown restaurant is also offering a special menu, including beef bourguignon for $26 or a glass of wine accompanied by a cheese and charcuterie plate for $25. The meal is served accompanied by music from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Le Petit Paris, 418 S Spring St, Los Angeles.
A professional tasting at Monopole Wine
At Monopole Wine in Pasadena, 2018 Beaujolais Nouveau will be served as a tasting over three days, starting on Thursday, November 15th. Customers can taste three vintages of Beaujolais, including Dupeuble, one of the founders of the natural wine movement in France. The cellarmen will teach guests the basics of wine tasting, while offering the chance to enjoy charcuterie and cheeses. Monopole Wine, 21 S El Molino Ave, Pasadena. From Thursday, November 15th to Saturday, November 17th from 5 pm. Price: $20.
A bucolic tasting at The Stonehaus
A change of scenery is guaranteed at The Stonehaus in Westlake (about an hour from Downtown). On Thursday, November 15th at 10 p.m., a live concert will provide the background music while you sample your Beaujolais Noveau. The Stonehaus, 32039 Agoura Rd, Westlake Village.
