You might not have had a Thanksgiving break but if you are a foodie or a wine fan, live in France or happen to be there between November 27 and 29, you might be torn between 2 events.
First one is the 6th Fete des Vignes taking place in Montpellier which came to my attention thanks to Terre de Vins, a French site and magazine dedicated to wine in the hexagon and beyond.
The format for Fete des Vignes is simple.
On Saturday, November 28 (since Friday's over), pay 2 € (Euros) and you get a glass of wine and a voucher allowing you 3 tastings with 3 different producers plus a chance to win a prize in the raffle and also a free wine bottle for 6 bottles purchased at one of the event's participants.
I noted on Eazy Food (in French only) that last year 100,000 people showed up and that the producers set shop in 44 stands on Place de la Comédie in the center of Montpellier, a farmers market feel I guess.
Want to widen your knowledge on Saturday from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM you can attend 'Rosé, Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask'.
Is Woody Allen the MC?
Sunday events are local in nature, visit the producers at home.
Maybe you don't care that much about being near the Mediterranean.
In that case the Gastronomades (French only site) in Angouleme (Poitou-Charentes) might be appetizing enough.
This is the 15th edition and Gastronomades is also a 3 day event, from November 27 to 29.
If your French is basic, you'll understand that some activities take place on all 3 days ('pendant les 3 jours') while each day as its own specific happenings.
It has a FREE admission policy and no less than 200 exhibitors of all stripes will be present.
An interesting take on food is the exhibit on BD (Comic Strips) and Food.
It runs throughout the festival.
If I was there, I would take the pulse of the Local Talents on Saturday.
I would be curious to find out what Xavier Taffard of L’Aquarelle restaurant in Breuillet (near Royan) will come up with in a culinary creation using Pineau des Charentes which was one of the prizes we offered in Be a Hipster for Menu for Hope 5 a year ago.
Sunday's program reaches out to les Belges with Bruxelles…at the table.
First with Chef Gaetan Colin of Le Jaloa restaurant located near the fish market.
Visiting his site I noticed that Young Ethiopians Restaurateurs menu was one of the options, interesting.
Second Belge on Sunday is Laurent Gerbaud, a chocolatier describes as non-conformist and open to experimentation and the world flavors.
As you can see, the Gastronomades offers a very diverse calendar.
If you are attending either the Fete des Vins or Gastronomades, I would be happy to hear your impressions and/ or see a few snapshots live and from the scene.
Thank you, Merci!