Ooh La La in NYC: Taste of France and FIAF Open House (Wine With Wanda )

09/08/2013

Ooh La La in NYC: Taste of France and FIAF Open House

Paris, 2013

Despite the ocean that separates us, New York and France have a very cozy relationship thanks to our shared passions for fashion, food, wine, and everything fabulous. Experience a bit of la vie en rose in Manhattan at two fabulous events: the French Institute/Alliance Française Open House and the Taste of France in Bryant Park.

French Insitute/Alliance Française (FIAF) Open House
Tuesday, September 10. 6-8 PM. Free!

image: Fashionation: Karl Lagerfeld and Team by @Ruben Toledo, courtesy FIAF

From language classes to films, music & wine, FIAF is the epicenter of French cultural life in NYC. Drop by their Open House to get a taste of FIAF's rich programs and an exclusive discount on fall classes. Meet other Francophiles while enjoying delicious wine and cheese, indulge in mini French beauty treatments from Phyto and Lierac, and more! The evening will also include screenings at 6:15 and 7:00 PM of Fashionation (2009), a short animated film about the history of fashion from artist-illustrator Ruben Toledo. The 7pm screening will be introduced by the filmmaker himself.

Taste of France
Saturday, September 28 (11AM - 11PM) - Sunday, September 29 (11 AM - 7PM).
Bryant Park, Free Admission
A celebration of all things French, Taste of France transforms Bryant Park into a fabulous showcase of food, wine, fashion, beauty, and more. French regions like Burgundy, Rhone-Alpes, Midi-Pyrenees, French West Indies, and more will be in attendance to share information on what they have to offer in terms of tourism and specialties. And, L'Oreal will pamper attendees with complimentary hair and beauty sessions.

Admission to the market is free but there are also some fee-based special events such as Le Grand Wine Tasting ($150) and Le Café du Parc ($35) where the Maitres Cuisiniers de France will present some of the great French specialties paired with French wines and cocktails. Also, you've heard me rave about the Maille Chablis Mustard on tap and the Taste of France marks the first time ever that it will be sold in the United States. Maille is setting up a mini-boutique at the event where you can sample this amazing delicacy and purchase 3.5-ounce traditional earthenware mustard pots filled to order and closed with a charming cork stopper. Each jar will sell for $18 (2 jars for $30).