Francophiles will converge on the Fashion Industry Gallery at 7 p.m. Friday for a celebration of all things France at the 35th annual Taste of France.
As attendees walk into the gallery, they will be handed a wine glass and a plate. Diners can walk around to have their glasses topped off with white and red wines from various regions of France and fill their plates with French cakes, cheeses, macarons and other dishes.
The event is organized by the French-American Chamber of Commerce, a bi-national nonprofit organization that seeks to contribute to the development of economic and commercial relations between France and the U.S.
Erin McKelvey, executive director of the FACC, says this year they are putting more emphasis on French restaurants in Dallas. Participating this year: Bisous Bisous Pâtisserie, which specializes in French-style pastries, Scardello Artisan Cheese and Lavendou Bistro Provençal.
“Dallas has been in love with France forever,” McKelvey says.
Also in attendance this year: Eric Scullier, who hails from the Brittany region of France and is only the second chef in Texas to hold the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France title, or master chef of France. He will be preparing a special ravioli beaujolais for the VIP champagne reception, which starts at 6 p.m.
Luxury Garage Sale, an upscale consignment brand, will host a fashion show with high-end French designs. There's also a silent auction with big-ticket items like a European vacation.
The event was originally called Beaujolais and Beyond Wine Festival but was rebranded this year as Taste of France. Although the event is smaller than when it first started, there will be more restaurants and French wines for attendees to sample.
Tickets can be purchased at faccdallas.com for $75 and at the door for $95.