Festival de la Francophonie

Festival de la Francophonie organized by the Alliance Française of Chicago is taking place this month. An event with Gilles Arzur of Cafe des Architectes has been cancelled, but there are still two (somewhat) food-related events. I don't know where the food will be coming from, but both events sound interesting and are free to attend:

Canada and Québec — Food, Folk Music and Film

Friday, March 14, 2008
6:00 PM
Alliance Française
FREE

Join us at 6:00 P.M. for a reception featuring culinary delights from above the 49th parallel, including cheeses, charcuterie, wines, beers and more.

Then, at 7:00 P.M., jam to the exciting rhythms of the group Mauvais Sort--Québec folk music with a decidedly modern flavor.

Following the concert, enjoy the critically acclaimed Québec film drama, La brunante (“Twilight”). « Monique Mercure dans un rôle criant de vérité . . . » (Journal de Montréal) In French, with English subtitles (8:30 P.M.-10:00 P.M.). Attend one, two, or all three events. All are welcome! Admission is free!.

Sponsored by the Canadian Consulate of Chicago and La Délégation du Québec à Chicago.

Register here

Haiti - Music and Dancing


Saturday, March 15, 2008
6:15 PM
Alliance Française
FREE

Enjoy flavorful Haïtian cuisine while listening to the soulful music of Louis-Philippe Valcy and the Chicago BARAKS. The Tamboula Ethnic Dance Company will be on hand to demonstrate folklorique dances. There will also be a special appearance by a celebrated singing talent.

Sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Haïti in Chicago.

Register here

More information on the Festival de la Francophonie can be found on the Alliance Française website.

We went one year to this - they had all the Francophone countries in one big festival - Haiti, France, Canada, Belgium, etc. Maybe it was the kickoff party? Each was in a different room, there was live music and drinks. The food in each room was done up by the consulates, so in Canada there were cheeses and meats and so on (and maple syrup liquor) and in Haiti there were pots of food (stews, rices, etc) ladled out by the women who had made it... It was a lot of fun.