Francophiles prepares for fun Mardi Gras style
Pat Smith
In January 2000, twenty-two like-minded individuals met at the home of Bill and Suzanne Brown for an afternoon that would soon evolve into the fun filled, culture driven and always open to new activities and events organization now known as the SaddleBrooke Francophiles. Speaking French is not a main focus of, nor a requirement for, joining this group; enjoying the foods, wines and celebrating the unique holidays and activities of France is our focus. The SaddleBrooke Francophiles has grown in numbers over the years and a Planning Committee meets monthly to accommodate, organize and fulfill the many diverse wishes of its members.
The SaddleBrooke Francophiles is pleased to announce its 2015-2016 Season of Events and invites those residents of SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch who wish to become involved in our organization to contact Pat Smith at 825-2409 for more information. Dues are $20 per person annually.
Our sommelier, Bob Kramer, will guide us through the varietal wines of Chateau St. Michelle, the oldest vineyard in Washington State, on Wednesday, September 23. Members will sample the fine wines of this classic vineyard with Bob explaining the unique qualities of each wine and its possible food pairings.
Classic hors d’oeuvres will accompany the wines, making for a most enjoyable evening.
The Wilcox Wine Country Festival happens on Saturday, October 17 and the SaddleBrooke Francophiles have reserved a luxury tour bus to carry many of us down to Wilcox for this very special event. There will be approximately twenty different Arizona vineyards represented at this festival and we will definitely enjoy the sampling and purchasing of these wines. Great food, lively musical entertainment and beautiful local crafts will also be available for enjoyment; a great weekend event indeed.
The annual Julia Child/Jacques Pepin Progressive Dinner will take place on November 14. Pat Dawydowych chairs this delectable event which is dedicated to the memories of our founders, Bill and Suzanne Brown. Recipes follow the dictates of these famous French chefs—all hors d’oeuvres, entrees, side dishes and desserts represent their special creations. Our members truly go all out to showcase these specialties. A delicious evening is had by all.
Celebrating the New Year with the Feast of Kings on January 9 is a perfect way to kick off 2016. Members gather for a most memorable celebration; special galettes (cakes), with tokens baked inside, are served to members. Those lucky enough to find the tokens are crowned King and Queen for the evening, toasted with champagne and are asked to deliver a short speech to their subjects. Great fun for everyone.
One of the most anticipated celebrations of the season happens on February 6, La Chandeleur Crepe Party. Hundreds of mouth-watering crepes are provided to attendees who have created either savory or sweet fillings to accompany these delicious crepes. Creativity abounds with our members for this event; incredible creations delight the eyes and satisfy the tummy at this Mardi Gras themed party. Ooh, la, la!
Members explore the many delicious varieties of cultural cuisine at the Foods and Wines of the World event on March 12. Many different countries and their wines have been experienced and enjoyed at this event. This year we will include French wines/foods and at least two other countries and their cuisine and wines, both reds and whites; a great way to travel the world of foods and wines without having to produce a passport.
Our Fete de Printemps—Springtime Fete—will happen on April 9. Members will gather to play games, listen to music and song and enjoy a variety of foods prepared for this event. A terrific way to say “Bon Voyage” to this season of fun, friendship and festivities.
For those wishing a more intimate gathering, we offer Diners a la Maison on January 21, February 18 and April 21. Participants sign up with Bob Kramer, chairperson, to attend these dinners which offer a smaller setting to members for developing friendships, sharing of favorite recipes and forging strong relationships; a great method to explore possibilities.
Again, if these activities resonate with you, please contact Pat Smith at 825-2409 for more information. Vive la France!