The New York Times published this week two thought-provoking articles on Paris, both written by journalists of standing who've lived in the city for some time. The first article, by author Thomas Chatterton Williams, discusses the evolution of the Pigalle quartier and is called, "How Hipsters Ruined Paris" - he describes changes that can be viewed as positive or negative, depending on your perspective. The second article - uplifting and surprising - is entitled, "The Other Paris, Beyond the Boulevards," by Mira Kamdar of the Times's Editorial Board. She describes through her own personal experiences the rebirth of the Pantin quartier in the northern suburbs. Both articles are insightful - bravo NYT!

In the previous bulletin we announced open enrollment for the December Holiday term that runs from December 2 to 21, and some students are signing up for as many as four workshops or intensive classes in that "gap" session. A couple days ago, the complete class lists for the full Winter 2014 Term (Jan. 6 - March 15) were also posted online. The winter term features exciting new conversation classes such as METRONOME, discovering France through the métro system. Of course there are also some 40 offerings in the core series of building and perfecting your foundation (Latitudes and Edito). Click here for a printable listing of the December offerings, here for the Winter 2014 adult classes and here for the children's classes. Early-bird registrants for Winter 2014 classes get their first choice of class, and a 10% discount.

The Heathman has just published the menu for the Beaujolais Nouveau event set for Friday, November 22. Click here to scan the gourmet listing for the event that has been covered in recent weeks by KGW.com, KPTV.com, the Portland Monthly and more. New this year will also be an expanded array of local French wine producers and French importers of French wines. Beverage selections this year - all included in the ticket price - will include Georges Duboeuf and Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Nouveau and wine selections from WillaKenzie, Pacific Rim, Cooper Mountain, Terroirs Originels and Petit Monde. Belgian beers will be Stella Artois, Leffe, and Hoegaarden. Drink options will also include Virtue Cidre Nouveau, Hardy Cognac, Grey Goose Vodka, St Germain, Chambord and Cointreau Noir. Finally, a Wall of Wine will feature Sokol Blosser, Torii Mor, and other premium wines.  A handful of event tickets remain; call 503.223.8388 with questions.