La Semaine du Fooding is a relatively new food-inspired week-long celebration that takes place all at the best restaurants in Paris. This year’s events provide something for everyone, from a 10 euro dinner to a sneak peak in the city’s grandest restaurant kitchens.

Some of the events offered this year include: The “Petite Galerie de l’evolution culinaire” will host one chef from a famous restaurant every evening. Each chef will create a “travel through time” menu, which will include wine pairings and mineral water. The very low 10 euro fee goes to “Action against Hunger”. This event will take place from December 1 - 5 at 7 p.m., at the Chapel of the Manufacture des Gobelins, 6 ru Berbier du Mets, 75013.

Seven famous French restaurants will host guests in their kitchens for a special Moet & Chandon dinner. These restaurants include: Tour d’Argent, Lasserre, Jules Verne, Taillevent, Le Meurice, Drouant and La Grande Cascade. Check this site for reservations.

December 1 - 5 at 8 p.m. ech night, 20 guests will be fed by famous food critic Francois Simon. Reserve here.

December 1 - 6, you can reserve that very morning for a special evening meal in one of six restaurants. Diners have the chance to win a first class TGV ticket for another Guide Fooding 2009 restaurant. Check here for more information and reservations.

December 8, Le Fooding awards will be given, but this is an invitation only event.

Thursday, November 20 marks the annual Beaujolais Nouveau Festival throughout France and the world.  Every year, he arrival of the new vintage of Beaujolais wine is celebrated every third Thursday of November.

As soon as the clock strikes midnight the night of November 19-20, the celebration marking the arrival of the new Beaujolais wine begins. Wine shops are stocked up with their new vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau (which should always be consumed as a young wine, never aged), Parisians head to their local bistro, café or wine bar, and many people celebrate with friends at home.  There are several events organized in Paris during the day, and the atmosphere all over Paris is that of a real festival.  Wines are sold by the glass or the bottle, and seem to go extremely well with a variety of foods.  Granted, the Beaujolais Nouveau is not the best vintage the French have to offer, but it’s a fun and exciting tradition that everyone likes to take part in.

If you will be in Paris for the Beaujolais Nouveau Festival, do try to participate.  If you are in your own city, check and see if there is anything going on…you might be surprised!

In the meantime, check out the Beaujolais Nouveau Web site, where you can learn about the history of the wine and find out where festivities are taking place all around the world.

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