Do This: Beaujolais Nouveau Festival at Mon Ami Gabi

By Anthony Todd in Food on Nov 15, 2010 6:40PM

In France, the release of the year's first Beaujolais Nouveau is the occasion for a giant party. The third Thursday of November marks the date, and the wine is shipped around the world in secret and cannot be opened before that time. The wine is meant to be drunk extremely young, so it all has to be drunk now - after one or two years, it won't be fit for much.

In that spirit, Mon Ami Gabi is hosting their own Beaujolais Nouveau festival here in Chicago. From November 18th (the day) to November 24th, there will be wine specials and new dishes on the menu that showcase the variety. Try oysters with a Beaujolais mignonette, or a pan-seared cod with red potatoes, Brussels sprout leaves and a Caramelized Garlic, Beaujolais & Bacon Sauce. We're already hungry. There is also a special dinner on the 18th, hosted by Les Vins Georges Duboeuf, that includes passed appetizers, four courses and wine pairings for $65.

Mon Ami Gabi is located at 2300 N. Lincoln Park West.