From November 9th-19th, everyone is invited to celebrate the French table! The comprehensive team of renowned Chicago restaurants and French associations is organizing a week-long festival featuring specially crafted menus, tastings and events for all. A la carte Chicago closes with the 31st annual Passport to France, a sensational evening where you can savor specialties from more than 50 local chefs and vendors.
Chefs throughout the Chicago-area are cooking up French-inspired menus to demonstrate the best cuisine that France has to offer! Restaurants are offering prix-fixe menus for $33 or $44. Participating bars are designing French wine, beer, or spirit flights. Pastry shops and bakeries are featuring special offers. Taste a stunning variety of dishes and treats fresh from our Chefs’ kitchens.
A la carte Chicago goes beyond menus and invites you to go behind the scenes with a selection of exciting events. Hone your culinary skills through cooking workshops. Follow a Chef throughout the day and experience the life of a master at work. Discover new cookbooks at special events. Indulge in an Oscar-winning French film. Share a lunch with the Consul General of France. There are so many ways to discover France right in your own neighborhood. Highlights include:
Cooking class The [H]amburger revisited by a French Chef: Rediscover this American classic through the eyes and technique of French chef. Join Chef Dominique Tougne in this demonstration at Chez Moi. This cooking class includes 3 mini hamburgers – Tuna Salad Burger, Duck Confit Burger with Pan Seared Foie Gras and Real “Cheese” Burger. The burgers are paired with beer. The class ends with desserts prepared by the French Pastry School. Tuesday, November 10. $30.
Hands-On Cooking Class with Madelaine Bullwinkel: Cooking from Jacques Pépin’s latest book Jacques Pépin Heart and Soul in the Kitchen. Learn how to make 5 different recipes Mussels with Cream and Chives on Soft Polenta, Rack of Lamb with a Spice Crust, Sautéed Raddicco, Small Potatoes in Olive Oil, and Prunes in Red Wine. Wednesday, November 11. $80.
Petit and Grand Bordeaux & Cognac Tasting: A tasting of Bordeaux, from the small ones to the most famous Châteaux, and a tasting of VSOP, 25-year and 50-year Cognacs from one of the finest and oldest Cognac producers. Friday, November 13. $50.
Chef Dominique — a day in a life…: Have you ever wondered about the daily life of a chef? Follow Chef Dominique from Chez Moi throughout the day and experience the life of a master at work. The day starts with breakfast at La Fournette followed by a check-in at Chez Moi before the weekend brunch. Then, guests will travel with Chef Dominique to La Voûte Bistro & Bar in Homewood. The group will accompany him while he shops for ingredients and spend time with him in the kitchen. Lunch will be served at La Voûte. Guests will return to Chez Moi for dinner. Follow servers, hosts, bartenders, and cooks. Ticket holders can invite one guest to the dinner with the chef at Chez Moi at the end of the day. Saturday, November 14. $150. Limited spots available.
