French News
April 27, 2012
This week's posting includes a potpourri of French-related topics, from the French presidential election to May Day in France to cultural French happenings in the U.S. Take a peek at this week's French news and then skip American reality TV in favor of a real French cultural event or two!
French May Day - Each year, the French celebrate May 1 and the full-on arrival of spring by offering lily of the valley bouquets to their loved ones. According to many sources, this charming tradition dates back to the 16th century when King Charles IX of France received some lily of the valley as a token of luck. He went on to present the lovely flower each year to the ladies of the court. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the French decided to continue this custom into modern times on the first of May. If you are in France on May 1, be sure and pick up some lily of the valley for your traveling companions - and yourself. You'll see vendors on street corners selling these 'bunches of happiness.'
You can also send a May Day card wishing friends or family a "Joyeux 1er mai" (Happy May 1st) or "Bonne fete du 1er mai - Beaucoup de bonheur" (Happy May 1 Holiday - Much happiness to you)!
French Gourmet Events at Central Market in Texas – The food experts at Central Market are transforming their stores across Texas into French gourmet destinations from May 9 to 22. Mark your calendars now to check out "Passport France" and the new French food products, pastries, artisanal breads, cheeses, wines and more, all brought in especially to celebrate the fabulous French approach to food and dining. A variety of cultural and culinary events will also be on offer - I am pleased to be collaborating with the Central Market Dallas Cooking School chefs on the following special culinary offerings:
"Pause Déjeuner - Lunch in Paris" - Friday, May 11, from 12 to 1pm. A visual tour of all things gourmet in Paris plus the French cooking demonstration and Parisian lunch. Cost is $25; advance registration is required.
"Shop the French Market - Hands-on Cooking Class & French Grocery Shopping Tour" - Tuesday, May 15, from 6:30 to 9pm. A visual and cultural tour of French food markets and shops plus the French grocery shopping tour, hands-on cooking class using seasonal ingredients and market-fresh dinner with wine. Cost is $75; advance registration is required.
"Pause Déjeuner - Lunch in Provence" - Thursday, May 17, from 12 to 1pm. A visual tour of Provence flavors and tastes plus the Provencal cooking demonstration and lunch. Cost is $25; advance registration is required.
Click here to sign up for these French culinary and cultural celebrations!
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