| Don't Miss the 10th Annual Beaujolais & Beyond Festival |
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| Interview with a Professional: Stephan Poullier, Owner of Ambiance de Provence and Co-Owner of JaJa Bistro in Littleton |
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 Background: Stephan Poullier grew up on the French Riviera. Growing up, he helped his parents in the restaurant they owned but never really thought he would end up where he is. In fact, he studied civil engineering and had his mind set on Asia - however, he ended up moving to the United States 12 years ago after making lasting ties in America. Now, as the enthusiastic owner of a boutique and bistro, he finds his joy in bringing traditional French culture into the life he has found here.
HC: What is the main difference between business in the United States versus France?
SP: There is more opportunity here than in France. In France I would have to have my family - my wife, children, and cousins - working for me, whereas here I can employ other to work with me. [As] working with family can be a blessing and a curse, I feel freer.
HC: What do you think has made Ambiance de Provence and JaJa Bistro successful?
SP: There are great lines of communication between us all - Janelle runs the front of the house and I run the back [and] we have the same staff we've had since we opened 14 months ago. They all care very much, for example if they see a dish that doesn't look just right or something they are not familiar with, they take initiative to make it better. [Also] Ambiance de Provence has been great to bring people into the bistro.
HC: Why do you think it is important to incorporate French culture into American culture?
SP: For me, it's important because it's like I have two homes and they are both a part of my personal life. [But] it works out well with the restaurant; people come here to recreate their visits to France or just want to have an authentic southeastern-style French meal.
HC: What is your favorite dish you currently serve?
SP: I grew up on the French Riviera, so I love sea food. [Because of this,] the moules frites are a favorite of mine that will always be on the menu. But we just created a new menu for fall with some great dishes on there that really mix southern east and west flavors and are fantastic!
 Hilary Crawford is a volunteer with FACC. She will be conducting a series of interviews with our members that will be showcased in this section of our E-Newsletter. She is a student at the University of Colorado Denver, majoring in International Business and French. She enjoys traveling, watching independent films, and talking with interesting people.
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| Economic News |
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Beaujolais Nouveau goes "green"
By Leslie Gevirtz
 NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - A fleet of cargo ships is set to invade U.S. ports from Boston to Miami next month, laden with millions of bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau. At about the same time, cargo planes carrying 30,000 cases of the first wine of the 2008 harvest in plastic bottles will also be heading toward North America.
The two biggest producers of Beaujolais Nouveau are going green by transporting their wine by sea rather than air or packaging the vintage in environmentally friendly bottles. Boisset, the second-largest maker of Beaujolais Nouveau, is bottling its entire harvest in PET bottles that are "absolutely recyclable," said Patrick Egan, a spokesman for Boisset America. The green shipment is due to arrive in time for the wine's traditional third Thursday in November release. Meanwhile, Georges Duboeuf, the largest maker of Beaujolais Nouveau, struck a deal with the French government to allow an early release of his wine so that he could use ships to haul about 75 percent of his 2 million U.S.-bound bottles, instead of the one-third that usually arrives by boat. "It significantly changes the (carbon) footprint and it keeps the cost level down to the consumer, as well as keeping it in that $10-$12 range," explained Barbara Scalera, a spokeswoman for Duboeuf's U.S. agent W. J. Deutsch & Sons.
AIR, SEA AND MOTORCYCLE
But not all of its Beaujolais Nouveau is coming in glass bottles. Bowing to the wishes of Whole Foods, the large U.S. organic foods supermarket chain, they have joined Boisset in offering the breezy, young wine made from Gamay grapes in plastic bottles as well. Whole Foods will be offering both Duboeuf and Boisset. The PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, much like those used for soft drinks, weigh nearly 50 percent less than glass, Egan said, so shipping costs are lower. A case of glass bottles weighs about 38 pounds (17 kgs), but the same case in plastic bottles weighs about 22 pounds (10 kg), according to Jean-Charles Boisset, president of Boisset Family Estates.
The move is expected to lower the freight costs by a third and the result is that the suggested price for Boisset's Mommessin Beaujolais Nouveau and Bouchard Aine & Fils Beaujolais Nouveau will be $12.99, instead of up to $14.99 for U.S. consumers. When asked if shipping by air negated the carbon footprint benefits, Egan replied, "Because we produce less, more of it needs to be here more quickly." Although some wine lovers may not like the idea of plastic bottles, Egan said it does not harm the wine. "It's not great for long-term aging. But for up to three years it protects the wine just as well as glass," he explained.
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| Members' Corner |
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FACC Members Benefit from World Trade Center Member Pricing
The World Trade Center Denver is offering its member pricing to any FACC member who registers for a class and identifies themself as a member of the French American Chamber of Commerce. The member pricing offer will be good for Institute classes through the rest of 2008.
To see a full list of Institute classes offered click here.
World Trade Center Denver: International Business Fundamentals
 Tuesday & Wednesday November 4 & 58:30am-5:30pm Colorado Springs Penrose Library 20 North Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903
This intensive two-day seminar is for the novice as well as the experienced exporter wanting to learn more about what is involved with an international shipment.
Denver International School November Open Houses
 Come and join us for an Open House on Wednesday, November 12th from 9 - 11 am at Denver International School, 1958 Elm Street. Observe full-immersion classes in French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.
If you can't make it on Wednesday, stop in on Friday, November 14th from 9-11 am at Montclair Academy, 206 Red Cross Way. DIS staff will be present to answer questions about full-immersion language education, our upcoming merger with Montclair Academy, and to show you around the new facility starting in 2009/2010 school year!
Special Offer from DISH Network
 DISH Network, the leader in French television is having a special offer for a limited time! Subscribe to French channels before 11/30/08 and get up to 20% on Lufthansa flights (restrictions apply). With the French Bouquet, DISH Network offers the most French channels at the best value Five French stations for only $19.99/mo! Four of the channels can also be purchased a la carte, allowing the subscriber to select his/her favorite French programming options! Call 1-888-483-3887 for more information.
DISH Network, fournisseur de la meilleure télévision française vous présente une offre spéciale pour une durée limitée! Abonnez-vous aux chaines françaises avant le 30 novembre 2008 et recevez jusqu'à 20% de réduction sur les vols Lufthansa (Des restrictions s'appliquent). Avec le French Bouquet, DISH Network vous offre le plus grand nombre de chaines françaises au meilleur prix 5 chaines françaises pour seulement $19.99/mois! La plupart des chaines sont également disponibles à la carte! Appelez 1-888-483-3887 pour plus d'informations.
White Toque now at Super Target in Colorado!
  White Toque announces that their IQF herbs (chives, basil, parsley, shallots) are sold in the Frozen vegetable section at all Supertarget's in Colorado. These high quality IQF herbs and vegetables are great for use in preparation of sauces, salads, soups, pasta, meat, seafood... They quickly and easily enhance the presentation and flavor your meals at home. They are much more convenient than the fresh herbs as there is no wastage and no need to cut your herbs. Just take the box out of the freezer when you need it, pour the herbs and put it right back in the freezer. Freshest than the fresh herbs, you will love them!
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Community News |
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 Michel Escoffierpresents the culinary legend of his great-grandfather
Auguste Escoffier
November 9, 2008
5:30-9:00pm
The University of Denver Hotel School
Tuscan Ballroom, 2044 E Evans Ave., Denver, CO
An Escoffier-inspired Eight Course Dinner paired with French Wines$150 per person Black Tie Optional
Presented by the American Institute of Wine & Food - Colorado Chapter
To be prepared by Colorado's Finest Chefs Chefs Jason De Backer and Bertrand Gesbert of Le CentralChef William Wahl of Indulge French Bistro by William Wahl
Chef Jean-Luc Voegele of the Westin-Tabor Center
Chef David Scott of Vail Resorts
Chef Wayne Smith of Colorado Culinary Academy at
Western Colorado Community College
Host Chef
Chef Paul R Schutt of The University of Denver
Daniels College of Business - School of Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management
Donations will be made to
The AIWF Colorado Chapter Scholarship Fund
The Museum of Culinary Art of the Fondation Auguste Escoffier
 To make your reservations:Click on "Events" in the "News & Events" dropdown
Choose "Celebrate Auguste in November" from Upcoming Events
Select the secure link for reservations
303-333-2378 (AIWF Colorado Chapter Information)
 Accent Reduction Class For Native French Speakers
Thursday, November 13
6:00-7:30pm
Southeast Denver
LCI (Language Consultants International) is offering an upcoming free Accent Reduction class that may be of interest to native French speaking members. LCI has been in business since 1995 providing language services for local and international markets. The Accent Reduction class is for ESL professionals who would like to improve their English pronunciation skills. This course helps individuals who have a high level of English, yet their unique pronunciation may confuse others, requiring them to repeat themselves frequently. This course does not try to hide an individual's heritage or identity; rather it focuses on pronunciation so others can easily understand them. The free introductory course is available on Thursday, November 13 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at LCI's facilities in Southeast Denver. Space is limited, so interested students should register either via phone at 303/756-0760 or via email at info@EnglishLCI.com.
Thanksgiving in Paris
Muriel Gold is offering her private residence at a special price for FACC members. This 900 sqft, beautiful 2 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeps up to 6 apartment is located at 17 Rue de la Comete in the 7th district, the heart of Paris is ready for you! For additional info, please contact owner Muriel Gold at 303-898-2134.
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| Alliance Francaise Events |
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First Friday Art Exhibit - November 7
"Painting in the Garden: Exploring Monet's Inspiration"
6:00-9:00pm
Alliance Francaise Gallery, Free
This is an exhibition of paintings created by students of Amy Metier, professor at Metropolitan State College of Denver, during a painting expedition to France in the summer of 2008. This trip afforded students the opportunity to paint plein air in Monet's Gardens in Giverny when the gardens were closed to the general public. The paintings in this exhibition reflect expressionistic impressions of the beauty of the Monet's Gardens as well as other areas of the Normandy countryside.
 French Conversation Happy Hour
Thursday, November 13
5:00-7:00pm
Sip a glass of wine with a slice of cheese, practice your French, enjoy our latest art exhibit, and meet other Francophiles from the Denver area. All levels of French speakers are encouraged to join us.
Location: Alliance Francaise, 571 Galapago St., Denver 80204
Cost: $5 AF & FACC members, students & seniors, $10 non-members. Free for those who bring something to eat or drink - please call for details.
RSVP: Call 303-831-0304 or sign-up online
Denver Film Festival
 Rumba - Tuesday, November 18 at 4:15pm Mommy is at the Hairdresser's - Saturday, November 22 at 4:30pm Everything is Fine - Sunday, November 23 at 6:30pm
 Location: Starz FilmCenter on Auraria Campus Cost: $10 per film RSVP: Call 303-831-0304 or online. |
The Rocky Mountain French-American Chamber of Commerce aims to promote the local French American business community as well as to support local French and American companies with their trade needs.
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