CP Palate: Eat, Drink & Be Franà§aise!

By Katie Calautti

Toss aside that worn-out beret, because for those of you who will stop at nothing to achieve the certain “je ne sais quoi” that the French possess in spades – the French Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has developed a new celebration that is right up your alley (ehem, or is it, “ruelle”?)

The first Thursday in June marks French Cocktail Hour (better known as “Apéritif à la Franà§aise” to the natives, or “FCH” to the abbreviation-inclined). The indulgence of all things French has been celebrated in 19 countries and 28 cities around the world for the past 6 years, and this year, FCH is going to the extreme – producing a cross-country celebration that will include no less than 1,000 do-it-yourself house parties, all culminating on the same night – June 4th, 2009.

Francophiles everywhere can apply and register to be one of the 1,000 FCH party hosts by visiting http://www.houseparty.com/FrenchCocktailHour. Once selected, each host will be mailed a complete FCH Party Pack, which will include party decorations, tip-laden literature, French music CD’s and entertaining accoutrements, as well as coupons from participating food & wine vendors. Each house party will also be given their own party page on the website to share pictures, stories and videos.

And as if the prospect of a mailbox stuffed with party-instigators isn’t drool-inducing enough, one FCH host and one party guest will be chosen to win a trip for two to France, courtesy of the French Government Tourist Office.

For more information, log on to http://www.FrenchCocktailHourUSA.com, then sign up and begin perfecting your bon apetites, à la cartes and c’est magnifiques, you bel esprit, you!