The Toast of the Town
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It's French custom to inflate the importance of the light, fruity red wine called Beaujolais nouveau by restricting its release each year: Not a drop of the year's yield may be sipped till the third Thursday of November.
So it is that the day has become cause for celebration. (But seriously, how many of us drink the stuff any other time of the year?) Here in Washington, you can join in the ritual uncorking of bottles at a number of events:
· Today, the International Club of DC marks the occasion with a twist on the "first batch" concept. Its Beaujolais-Not-So-Nouveau event, held with GiraMondo Wine Adventures, the French Wine Society and the Washington Wine Academy, is intended to spotlight many of the other offerings from the Beaujolais region, not just the nouveau. $19 includes a glass of the wine and hors d'oeuvres; $59 for a full 12-wine Cru tasting that includes appetizers (but no nouveau!). 6:30-8:30 p.m. today. Embassy Suites, 1250 22nd St. NW. Visit http:/
· Tomorrow, the Alliance Francaise hosts its own release party with French accordion music, the serving of Labouré-Roi's Beaujolais nouveau and cheese. $35; Alliance members, $25. 6:30-9:30 p.m. 2142 Wyoming Ave. NW. Visit http:/
· The biggest party might be the annual foodie event thrown tomorrow by the French-American Chamber of Commerce and French International Culinary Society with, yes, bottle after bottle of nouveau, but also a buffet of French specialties. (Note that dress code calls for business attire, not your Sunday khakis.) $80; members of either group, $70. 6-9 p.m. The Washington Club, 15 Dupont Circle. For details, visit http:/
Save the Date
ON STAGE Patton Oswalt Tapes His New DVD in Town The snarky, nationally known comic voiced Remy in the animated hit "Ratatouille," roasted Flava Flav and is an occasional figure on the late-night circuit. The alum of NoVa's Broad Run High also actually gave his alma mater's commencement address this year. Perhaps the local connection is why he's taping his upcoming DVD in the Washington area: He performs two shows for crowds and cameras at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium in February. Try to look hot. $20. Feb. 28 at 7 and 10 p.m. 730 21st St. NW. 202-397-7328
CONCERT The Black Keys The blues-soaked duo (singer-guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney) returns to the area after two sold-out shows back in May at the 9:30 club and a spot at the Virgin Mobile Festival in August. The Post's critic called out the rockers for their musical similarities to another bluesy Midwest duo, the White Stripes, during those 9:30 club shows, but is that such a bad thing? The Keys are at Rams Head Live! in Baltimore in February. Tickets go on sale Saturday at noon. $25; $27 day of show. 8 p.m. Feb. 4. 20 Market Pl., Baltimore. 202-397-7328 or save Ticketmaster fees and get tickets through the box office, 410-244-1131 or http:/
The District
