Beaujolais Nouveau has arrived

November 15 is Beaujolais Nouveau Day.

When the clocks strike midnight on the third Thursday of each November, Frenchmen flood the bistros and brasseries to get their first taste of the year’s latest Beaujolais — a fruity, barely fermented, super-young red wine made from gamay grapes.

To celebrate in Chicago, some restaurants and other venues will have an opportunity to taste the wine, in some cases with a meal.

They include:

Bistronomic

A meal for $39 that will feature wine with Homemade Country Pate, Beef Bourguignon, Banana Brioche Pudding plus a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau. November 15. 840 N. Wabash Ave.

Paris Club

Guests will be treated to complimentary appetizers and Beaujolais Nouveau by winemaker Joseph Drouhin. Admission is FREE, no RSVP necessary. 59 W. Hubbard.

Beaujolais Nouveau at Chicago French Market

A special wine tasting will be held at Chicago French Market inside the Oglivie Transportation Center. November 15, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Complimentary. 131 N. Clinton Street.

Passport to France.

The French-American Chamber of Commerce’s Passport to France is held each year in honor of Beaujolais Nouveau’s official uncorking. The event will feature some of Chicagoland’s top French chefs, French wine and spirits, a silent auction, live music from DJ Sadie Woods and more. Thursday, November 15, 6p.m. to 9 p.m.

And if you’re still in the mood for French cooking and wine a week later, check out Bistrot Margot’s annual Thanksgiving Prix Fixe available on Thursday, November 22, from Noon until 8pm. Reservations are still available. Bistrot Margot is located at 1437-39 North Wells Street.

The menu will be:

Bistrot Salad ~Caesar Salad~Brie Cheese Soup~Onion Soup~Brie Tart

Main Course, choice of:

Barramundi with Lemon-Basil Butter Sauce

Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Wild Mushroom Sauce

Roasted Turkey with Sweet Potato Gratin, Herb Stuffing, Vegetables, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce

Braised Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Rosemary Jus

Roasted Chicken Breast, Wild Mushroom Sauce

Rainbow Trout with Sage Brown Butter

Steak Frites with Garlic-Parsley Butter

Dessert, Choice of:

Grand Marnier Bread Pudding~Pumpkin Pie~Dark Chocolate Terrine~Profiteroles