A Taste of France – The Magic of Beaujolais Nouveau: An inspired wine, art and food walkabout

Celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day 2012 with a certain je ne se quoi as French Beaujolais winemaker and long-time arts supporter Georges Duboeuf brings “A Taste of France” to Grand Boulevard at Sandestin Thursday, Nov. 15, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Beaujolais fans will enjoy an alfresco-style “Taste of France” featuring French-inspired cuisine, Cru tasting and Champagnes. Unique to this event is a live art competition.

Sponsored by My Vacation Haven and co-presented by The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and Grand Boulevard, the tasting and walkabout will feature top chefs from Cuvee Bistro, Emerald Coast Catering, Karaboo Bakery, Restaurant Fire, Stinky’s Fish Camp, The Solaris, V Seagrove and Wine World preparing a French-inspired menu to pair with the Crus from Georges Duboeuf, the best selling brand of Beaujolais in the United States.

While enjoying wine and food tastings, guests can watch artist teams comprised of participating restaurants compete in a live art competition, vying for the coveted “People’s Choice Award” voted on by attendees of the event. Once the winner is announced, the art will be auctioned off with proceeds of the sales benefiting The

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, established in 1995 to enrich local cultural programs through literary, performing and visual arts.

For all Americans, November is an exciting month filled with festivities, Thanksgiving and, above all else, wine: it is now an established tradition to celebrate the arrival and official uncorking of the Beaujolais Nouveau on the third Thursday of this month. Each year, for the past 30 years, celebrations have taken place to bring to life each vintage. In 2012, Georges Duboeuf will celebrate “Thirty Years of Magic” and to honor the occasion, the theme will be Nouveau Magic.

Tickets are $45 per person or groups of 10 or more are available at $40 per ticket. Tickets are now on sale online at www.MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org/tickets.htm.