Past Events

Learn the basics of French in context in this beginning French series. We'll cover key words and phrases, essential pronunciation, and beginning language structures while mastering vital cultural situations. Come prepared to absorb, participate and learn the basics of the French language in a supportive environment. For maximum effectiveness, the class is limited to 8 participants.

Cost: The cost is $85 per person and includes all language instruction, special handouts, and personalized language coaching. Advance registration is required. To sign up, please email Elizabeth at or call 214-232-5344.

Text: "French: Learn in 4 Simple Steps" (Living Language series), $10.95, Order from the SMU / Barnes & Noble Bookstore at 214-768-2435 (Jill Taylor is our contact) for 1-week store delivery or 3-5 business days to your home.

Date:	Four Tuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22
Time:	2:00pm to 3:15pm
Location:	Central Dallas location

Enhance your French language skills in this class devoted to French conversation and fluency. We'll discuss fun French topics based on short readings in French as well as French video and audio clips. Practice communicating in French while building vocabulary and grammar skills. Our goal is to build confidence as well as conversational ability in French. For maximum effectiveness, the class is limited to 8 participants.

Cost: The cost is $85 per person and includes all language instruction, conversation handouts, and personalized language coaching. Advance registration is required. To sign up, please email Elizabeth at or call 214-232-5344.

Text: "The Ultimate French Review and Practice: Mastering French Grammar for Confident Communication", Order from the SMU / Barnes & Noble Bookstore at 214-768-2435 (Jill Taylor is our contact) for 1-week store delivery or 3-5 business days to your home.

Date:	Four Tuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22
Time:	6:00pm to 7:15pm
Location:	Central Dallas location

Join Elizabeth New of French Affaires and Samantha Rush of Rush Pâtisserie as we team up for a delicious afternoon of French pastry fun. Samantha studied pastry-making at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris and will share highlights of her cooking school experience as we sample her authentic French pâtisseries. Les tartes, les éclairs, almond macaroons and more are on our gourmet journey. In addition, Elizabeth will spotlight some of the best Paris pastry shops so you'll know where to stop for Paris's best sweets next time you're there!

Cost: The cost is $25 per person and includes the class, French pastries, coffee and tea, and a short guide to Paris pastry shops. Advance registration is required. To sign up, please email or call 214-232-5344

Date:	Sunday, August 30, 2009
Time:	3:00pm to 4:30pm
Location:	Rush Pâtisserie Shop, 1201 Eldorado in the Bishop Arts District, Dallas, TX 75208

Come join our French Affaires group for a matinee showing of "Julie & Julia", the new cinematic tribute to Julia Childs and her French cooking career starring Meryl Streep. Then we'll gather for an early Julia Child-inspired supper at Parigi restaurant and chat about the film.

Cost: The movie matinee is $8 per person. The prix fixe four-course menu at Parigi is $35 per person. No pre-payment is required for this event as we'll pay individually. But please RSVP to so we can make sure to save enough room for our group!

Parigi Chef Janice's Julia Child-inspired menu:
Amuse Bouche - Olive Crackers
Salade of Endive, Beets and Roquefort
Sole Meunière Julia Child Style
Crème Brûlée

Date:	Saturday, August 15, 2009
Time:	2:45pm
Location:	Meet at the Dallas Angelika Theatre (Mockingbird and Central) at 2:45pm. The film begins at 3:15pm. Then we'll head to Parigi (Oaklawn south of Lemmon Avenue) about 5:30 for an early supper.

Experience the richness of French cuisine through this course that focuses on the various facets of French food culture - and enjoy the results over a French feast at the Central Market Cooking School! We'll explore the different types of French cuisine, the tradition of preparing food according to the rhythm of the seasons, the delights of shopping French outdoor food markets, what makes French cooking uniquely French, and more.

We'll meet for three classes on the SMU campus in Dallas. The fourth session will be a private cooking class at Central Market Cooking School Dallas. Our French feast for the cooking class will feature Provençal cuisine. Please note: This class is held in English.

Register through link above or call 214-768-9035.

Date:	Mondays, July 13 to August 3, 2009
Time:	7:30 to 9:00pm
Location:	3 classes on the SMU campus in Dallas; our 4th class will take place at Central Market Cooking School Dallas on Lovers Lane at Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas

Elizabeth New, Ph.D. French Affaires & Karen Cassady, Manager, CM Cooking Schools

The French do a lot of things well. A few things that immediately come to mind are art, architecture, literature, fashion, and of course, food and cuisine. Whether you are planning a trip to France or want to de-mystify the menu at your local bistro, you'll want to participate in this introduction to French culinary traditions. Learn a about regional foods, the difference between a bistro, a brasserie and a restaurant that serves haute cuisine, how to order from a menu, and what to expect once it is served. Menu includes: Amuse-Bouche; Sorrel Soup; Steak Frites; la Salade; a Cheese Course; and French Apple Tarts.


To register, please visit the Central Market Cooking School web site or call:

Date:	April 27, 2009 - San Antonio (210) 368-8617 April 28, 2009 - Houston (713) 993-9860 April 29, 2009 - Austin (North Lamar) (512) 206-1014 April 30, 2009 - Fort Worth (817) 377-9005 May 1, 2009 - Dallas (214) 361-5754
Time:	6:30 to 9pm
Location:	Central Market Cooking Schools (see dates for specific locations)

Making an effort with the language in France goes a long way, even though almost everyone speaks English these days. Learn five keys of French language and culture that will pave the way for a great trip to Paris or any other destination in "la belle France." Cover essential phrases, French etiquette, indispensable pronunciation tips, and more. This course complements regular French courses; however, no previous French study is required.

To register, please visit the SMU Informal Courses web site.

Date:	April 21, 22, 23, 2009
Time:	7 to 9pm
Location:	SMU Informal Courses, Southern Methodist University

Join us for croissants, thé, and café as we explore the top Paris attractions in this travel and culture overview of the French capital. Through vibrant photos and visual images, we'll get acquainted with Parisian neighborhoods and arrondissements; a brief history of the 'City of Light'; how to navigate the Métro and bus systems; fabulous on- and off-the-beaten-path museums and monuments; special restaurants, cafés, tea salons, and hotels; exquisite gardens and parks; shopping tips; cooking school offerings; and more.

Come prepared to absorb, ask questions, get immersed in Paris--and walk away with an instant Paris guide perfect for your next trip. The cost is $45 if registered by March 18 ($55 after that date) and $35 for students and educators. Cost includes the seminar with all materials, handouts, and French continental breakfast from Rush Pâtisserie.

To sign up, please contact French Affaires at or 214-232-5344. Pre-registration is required. Seats are limited.

Dallas International School educates students of all backgrounds with its internationally renowned curriculum, multiple language instruction, and exposure to diverse cultural views. It is accredited by the French Ministry of National Education and the International Baccalaureate of Organization. DIS has more than 540 students in preschool through grade 12. At the 9th grade level students choose between continuing their education taught in the French language, which leads ultimately to the French Baccalaureate Diploma, or starting the English high school section which leads to the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Date:	Saturday, March 28, 2009
Time:	9am to 11:30am 9:00 to 9:30am sign-in and French continental breakfast 9:30 to 11:30am Paris bests
Location:	Dallas International School, 6039 Churchill Way, Dallas, Texas (just off Preston Road north of Forest Lane)

Take an evening's journey to Provence as Elizabeth New of French Affaires and Nito and David Carpita of the Provence inn and culinary school, the Mas de Cornud, preview their fall trip to France "The Best of Provence." We'll enjoy wine, cheese and southern French gourmet tastes as we talk about trip highlights and not-to-be-missed Provence sights and experiences. RSVP is required. Please email or call 214-232-5344.

Flavors From Afar is an interactive gourmet boutique nestled in the heart of Dallas. They feature "Simple, Finer Things" such as French and Italian olive oils, local cheeses, and European ceramics, along with ideas for easy, elegant entertaining.

Date:	Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Time:	6 to 7:30pm
Location:	Flavors From Afar, Snider Plaza (at Hillcrest and Lovers Lane)

Do you love books about France and the French? So do we!

Join our French book club as we meet monthly to read and discuss books on French culture, art, cuisine, travel, and language. After a brief recap of our book selection, Elizabeth New will facilitate an informal (and usually lively) conversation over wine and savory bites or dessert and coffee. We'll finish up with French Affaires' signature "If you liked this book, then you'll also like..." Perfect for any Francophile wanting to enjoy casual conversation in English about great books on France and the French.

The French Affaires book list this spring includes four selections. Our meeting locations and refreshments tie to each month's book theme for an added French treat!

Date:	Time and location:
Feb 26, 2009	5:30 to 7pm - Betty Reiter Boutique, Dallas, TX View Details
March 28, 2009	2:30 to 4pm - Parigi Restaurant, Dallas, TX View Details
April 16, 2009	7 to 8:30pm - Normandie Alliance Restaurant, Dallas, TX View Details
May 9, 2009	1 to 2:30pm - La Cave Wine Warehouse, Dallas, TX View Details

Registration:

The cost for the entire book series is $75 per person (or $25 per single session) and includes book handouts, wines, beverages, appetizers, and desserts as noted (cost does not include books). Advance registration is required. To sign up, please email or call 214-232-5344. Space is limited so that everyone can weigh in on the books and meet our wonderful hosts!

Join Elizabeth New of French Affaires and Michael Perlmeter of Molto Formaggio for an exciting evening of French cheeses and wines. We will taste several exceptional cheeses from France and learn about French wines to pair with them. We'll also cover the importance of cheese in France and how to navigate the cheese course of French meals.

Cost is $20 per person and includes cheeses, wines, and handouts. To register, please email or call 214-232-5344. Space is limited.

French Affaires is a company celebrating French travel, culture, language, and cuisine through events, classes, and trips to France. Its founder, Dr. Elizabeth New, is a specialist in all things French and has been making pilgrimages to France since 1983.

Molto Formaggio is a specialty cheese shop featuring over 200 cheeses from 16 countries including many products previously unavailable in the United States. Molto Formaggio also carries over one hundred other gourmet items including olive oils and wines.

Date:	Sunday, February 22, 2009
Time:	4 to 5:30pm
Location:	Molto Formaggio-The Cheese Shop, 68 Highland Park Village (across from Tom Thumb), Dallas, Texas

Join the French-American Chamber of Commerce Dallas/Fort Worth as they host a "CALVADOS & CHEESE TASTING" presented by Elizabeth New of French Affaires and Mark Monfrey of the Artisanal Beverage Co. Over cheeses and Calvados from the Normandy region of France, Elizabeth New will speak briefly about "The Art of French Cheeses" and Mark Monfrey will make a short presentation about "Calvados Christian Drouin: The Spirit of Normandy."

To register, please call the French-American Chamber of Commerce at 972-241-0111 or online at www.faccdallas.com.

Date:	Thursday, February 19, 2009
Time:	6 to 6:30pm - Networking; Presentations begin at 6:30pm
Location:	Lavendou Bistro Provençal, 19009 Preston Road, Suite 200 , Dallas , Texas (NOTE: Lavendou owner Pascal Cayet is offering guests a 20% discount off dinner that evening.)