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Current Events
French Affaires offers travel, culture, cuisine, and language events
designed to enchant the most ardent Francophiles, the first-time-to-France
traveler, and everyone in between. Check with us regularly on our
class offerings--there is always something new to discover about France!
Join our French Affaires Weekly email list to be notified about
upcoming events, classes and trips (see sign-up form at the left).
New! Sign up online via credit
card. See register buttons for details.
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SAVE THE DATE! "Paris Antiques Trip" - March 6 to 11, 2013
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SAVE THE DATE! "Loire Valley Chateaux & Gardens plus Paris" - June 7 to 14, 2013
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- French Affaires French Cookbook Club July, 2012!
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French Cuisine & Culture Workshops
Great food and great dining are a way of life in France. Join us as we explore both French culinary techniques and the cultural traditions that accompany them in the French Affaires French Cuisine & Culture Workshops for 2012. This special program provides the opportunity for participants to learn hands-on culinary techniques from a variety of instructors and to discover the customs, background, etiquette, and language of French food culture. Perfect for novices and more experienced cooks alike, each session will focus on a particular aspect of French cuisine with a user-friendly hands-on workshop, cultural discussions, food tastings and more. Sign up for a particular workshop to deepen your experience with the culinary life of France. For optimum benefit, class size is limited. Advance registration is required.
 French Cuisine & Culture Workshops
"The Art of French Cooking" with guest chef Susan Herrmann Loomis
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - November 14 to 16, 2012 in Dallas, Texas
Join us for this special class with French cookbook author and chef Susan Herrmann Loomis devoted to cooking and entertaining the French way. Susan is the founder of On Rue Tatin cooking school where she regularly offers cooking classes in Normandy and Paris.
We are excited to host Susan for this three-day hands-on culinary workshop designed to explore various ingredients, dishes and techniques that express the best of France's extraordinary food culture. Our cooking class includes three days of classes, three multi-course lunches with wine, a field trip to a local artisan food producer, and multiple tastings of French and local products. Our menus will feature the finest of seasonal ingredients especially chosen by Susan for our class. Of course, we'll prepare and enjoy an authentic French Tarte tatin, the upside-down caramelized apple tart - one of Susan's specialties.
As we cook, Susan will share her wealth of culinary knowledge and experience and provide answers to all our cooking questions. Then we'll sit down and enjoy a leisurely meal with good food, wine and conversation. If you've never taken one of Susan's classes, you won't want to miss these three days of French foods, wines and cooking lessons. Susan's deep experience cooking and living in France as well as her enthusiasm for sharing her cooking knowledge make this an experience of a lifetime!
The cost is $1200 per person and includes three days of hands-on cooking classes with Susan, all recipes, various tastings, three multi-course lunches with wine, a field trip to a local food producer, and Susan's stories of food in France. Class size is limited and advance registration is required.
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Date: |
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - November 14 to 16, 2012 |
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Time: |
9:30am to 2:30pm each day |
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Cost: |
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Location: |
Central Dallas location provided upon registration |
"French Food Market Tour & Cooking Class with Central Market"
May 15, 2012 at Central Market Dallas in conjunction with the Central Market "PASSPORT FRANCE" Event
If you love French food and French cooking techniques, then get the most out of your culinary efforts with this special workshop focused on stocking your pantry the French way. Though it takes more effort to find real French and French-style ingredients in the U.S., it can be done. Our "French Food Market Tour" with Dr. Elizabeth New Seitz will help identify fantastic fresh produce, wonderful French gourmet items & dry ingredients, special French cheeses at all price points, French charcuterie from the deli department, French wines worth drinking & cooking with, and more. Our class includes tastings and a hands-on cooking class led by CM chefs where we'll savor the results of our cooking efforts using these fresh ingredients. With our French food market tour, cooking class and recipes, you will walk away ready to create your own French kitchen.
The cost is is $75 per person and includes the hands-on cooking class, recipes, the French food & wine tour, accompanying shopping guide with pantry recommendations, & tastings. Advance registration is required.
| Date: |
May 15, 2012 |
| Time: |
6:30 to 9pm |
| Cost: |
$75 - Click here to register with Central Market |
| Location: |
Central Market at Lovers Lane - Dallas, TX |
Learn @ Lunch with Central Market - "Lunch in Provence"
May 17, 2012 at Central Market Dallas in conjunction with the Central Market "PASSPORT FRANCE" Event
Take a weekday lunch and make it a French cultural and culinary event! We'll take a visual tour of Provence in all its gourmet glory followed by a cooking demonstration of classic Provencal lunch dishes:
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Tomates Farcies a la Provencale (Roasted, Stuffed Tomatoes);
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Poulet a la Nicoise;
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Tian de Courgettes; and
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Madeleines au Miel avec Glace a la Lavande (Shell-shaped Honey Cakes with Lavender Ice Cream).
You will walk away inspired by your French lunch and the culinary arts of Provence. All recipes, instruction, Provence tour and lunch included. Advance registration is required.
| Date: |
Thursday, May 17, 2012 |
| Time: |
12 to 1pm |
| Cost: |
$25 - Click here to register with Central Market |
| Location: |
Central Market at Lovers Lane - Dallas, TX |
French Culture Class: "The Spirit of French Gardens: A Virtual Tour of Green Spaces in France"
Join us for this magical tour of beautiful gardens in France. French perfection in gardening ranges from traditional French formal gardens around chateaux and manor houses, and specialized topiary gardens with all manner of ornate shapes, to decorative herb and vegetable gardens which originated Middle Ages. We will explore all these styles and more in our illustrated session on what makes French gardens special. We’ll also be sure to identify which gardens are open to the public so you can visit them on your next trip to France.
Class fee: The cost is $49 per person early registration and includes class instruction and the list of gardens we will visit on our 'tour.' Advance registration is required through SMU's Informal Courses program.
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Date: |
Monday, July 23, 2012 |
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Time: |
7 to 9pm |
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Cost: |
$49 per person early registration |
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Location: |
SMU Main Campus in Dallas. Click here to register. (SMU course registration for this class opens sometime this summer.) You may also contact the SMU Informal Courses office at 214-768-2273. |
French Cookbook Club 2012
"French Chefs Cooking"
French Affaires is introducing a new twist on the classic book club idea with our 'French Cookbook Club.' Every quarter, we will read and cook our way as a group through a specially chosen French-themed cookbook. We will gather for a seated dinner to taste our recipes and enjoy an evening of great French cuisine, wines and food conversation. It will be a unique chance to get to know French cookbooks already in your library or to add to your cookbook collection as the French Cookbook Club continues. And of course, it will be a festive occasion to make friends with other gourmets interested in French cuisine and l'art de vivre.
Our French Cookbook Club theme this year is "French Chefs Cooking." The chefs are French yet the cookbooks are in English, making it easy to cook our way through authentic French culinary terrain. And the combination of classic cookbooks and new offerings makes our French Cookbook Club even more interesting. Sign up now as spaces are limited!
Here's how the French Affaires French Cookbook Club works:
- Sign up for that month's French Affaires French Cookbook Club gathering
- Read through our month's cookbook selection and choose a recipe that you would like to make
- Prepare your recipe and bring it to our French Cookbook Club evening along with your comments on the recipe-making process - was it easy? was it challenging? what aspect of French cooking did you appreciate in this recipe? would you make this recipe again?
- Over apéritifs, enjoy a brief overview of the French cookbook and its author by French Affaires host Elizabeth New Seitz. Our cookbook introduction will be followed by a five-course seated dinner in a beautiful home of the various dishes prepared by fellow French Cookbook club guests accompanied by French wines.
Each French Cookbook Club gathering is limited to 12 participants. To ensure a well-rounded French gourmet experience, each cookbook club guest is asked choose one recipe from one of the following cookbook categories: two starters, two salads, one soup, two vegetables, three main dishes, and two desserts. Cookbooks are available from www.amazon.com.
French Chefs Cooking: Recipes & Stories from the Great Chefs of France, Edited by Michael Buller
MONDAY, May 7, 2012 ** FULL **
This year's French Cookbook Club takes its title from French Chefs Cooking by Michael Buller. This cookbook features the culinary efforts of the best French chefs of the past 25 years such as Paul Bocuse, Jean and Georges Troisgros, Roger Vergé and more. Their stories and cooking insights make the book worth reading on its own. And the recipes are a combination of easy-going French regional cooking and gourmet dishes for a dinner party. Come join us for wonderful insights into how French food luminaries like to cook!
I Know How to Cook by Ginette Mathiot
July, 2012 - Date to be published soon!
The Provencal Cookbook: Shop, Cook & Eat Like a Local by Gui Gedda and Marie-Pierre Moine
French Bistro Seasonal Recipes by Bertrand Auboyneau & Francois Simon - New in 2012
| Dates: |
July, 2012 |
| Time: |
6:30 TO 9PM |
| Cost: |
$35 per session plus your recipe |
| Location: |
The Cooking School, 4302 Enfield, Dallas, TX 75220 |
French Affaires Book Series 2012 
Do you love books about France and the French? So do we! Join us for our unique French book club as we meet quarterly to read and discuss books on French culture, art, cuisine, wine, language, and travel. Our meeting locations and hosts tie to each month's book theme which makes our gatherings and events especially rich.
At each event, we'll enjoy French themed food and beverages and hear from our hosts / speakers about their 'French connection' to our book. Then French Affaires founder Dr. Elizabeth New Seitz will facilitate a lively discussion about our book selection. And we’ll close with French Affaires' signature "If you liked this book, then you'll also like..." Whether or not one has finished the book, our book club gathering is interesting, informative and delicious. Perfect for any Francophile wanting to enjoy casual conversation in English about great books on France and the French.
New Series Coming Soon!
French Language & Culture Classes
Our offerings get at the heart of communicating well in French - both in language & in the culture. Here's what some recent class attendees had to say about their French Affaires language class:
"Our group from your class just got back last night from our trip to Europe, most of which was in France. We had a ball and owe a lot of our success to your class. The French were great. They just light up when you greet them and bounce a 'Bonjour' back. It's really an ice breaker. And sure enough, we always had to ask for the check which you taught us...Thanks again for all the tips on visiting France. It really helped."
Beth & Don M. (June, 2010)
French Affaires' language and culture classes run for 4-week sessions to make them an easy fit into busy schedules and calendars. Upon class completion, we break for a week or two and then start back up with another 4-week series. For details on the variety of courses offered, please see the class descriptions below.
Beginning French Part 1
Learn the basics of French in this beginning French series taught by French Affaires' founder Dr. Elizabeth New Seitz. We will have fun covering key French words and phrases, essential pronunciation, and beginning language structures while mastering real cultural situations. And we will use what we are learning to actually communicate in authentic situations.
Our class sizes are small to ensure an optimum language learning experience. Come prepared to absorb, participate and learn the essential elements of the French language in a supportive environment. Please note that this course is designed for those who have had little to no French instruction prior to joining our group.
Cost: The class fee is $95 per person and includes all language instruction, cultural lessons, special handouts, and personalized language coaching. Advance registration is required. Payment by check or credit card. Class text: Ultimate French Beginner-Intermediate by Living Language (ISBN 1400009634); available at Amazon.com. NOTE: Please be sure to bring a copy of our book to our first class meeting!
| Date: |
Summer 2012 |
| Time: |
TBD |
| Cost: |
$95 per person |
| Location: |
Paper & Chocolate boutique - A bit of French flavor in Dallas! 5460 West Lovers Lane, Suite 236 (behind Inwood Theatre), Dallas, TX 75209 |
Beginning French Class - Ongoing
We'll continue learning the basics of French in this beginning French series. We'll have fun covering key words and phrases, essential pronunciation, and beginning language structures while mastering real cultural situations. Our class sizes are small to ensure an optimum language learning experience. Come prepared to absorb, participate and learn the essential elements of the French language in a supportive environment.
Please note that this class is designed for those who have already taken beginning French classes with French Affaires and/or who have had some French in college or high school or while traveling in France. Class size is limited for maximum effectiveness. Cost: The class fee is $95 per person and includes all language instruction, cultural lessons, special handouts, and personalized language coaching. Advance registration is required. Payment by check or credit card. Class text: Ultimate French Beginner-Intermediate by Living Language (ISBN 1400009634); available at Amazon.com. NOTE: Please be sure to bring a copy of our text to our first class meeting!
| Date: |
Summer 2012 |
| Time: |
TBD |
| Cost: |
$95 per person |
| Location: |
Paper & Chocolate boutique - A bit of French flavor in Dallas! 5460 West Lovers Lane, Suite 236 (behind Inwood Theatre), Dallas, TX 75209 |
Intro to French Conversation New!
By popular request! This class is being offered for those who are in that "in-between place" with their French...You have had a fair amount of language instruction in college or high school and have taken in the building blocks of French. But you find yourself needing a little help to begin to string phrases and sentences together to make "conversation."
In this introduction to French Conversation class, we'll communicate in real time in French with plenty of structure and input so you can proceed with confidence. Using authentic French topics for our conversation efforts, you'll learn more about the culture while increasing your ability to speak the language. Our class sizes are small to ensure an optimum language learning experience. Come prepared to absorb, participate and learn the essential elements of the French language in a supportive environment.
Please note that this class is designed for those who have already learned the basics of French in college or high school or in France. Cost: The class fee is $95 per person and includes all language instruction, cultural lessons, special handouts, and personalized language coaching. Advance registration is required. Payment by check or credit card. Class text: Read & Think French: Discover French Culture & Master the French Language (ISBN 0071702334); available at Amazon.com. NOTE: Please be sure to bring a copy of our book to our first class meeting!
| Date: |
Summer 2012 - If you are interested in this class, please email us at info.french@frenchaffaires.com. Class format runs once a week for 4 weeks. |
| Time: |
TBD |
| Cost: |
$95 per person |
| Location: |
Central Dallas location |
Advanced French Conversation Class
We'll enhance your French language skills in this class devoted to French conversation and fluency. With other France lovers, Dr. Elizabeth New Seitz will lead discussions on current, interesting French topics based on short authentic readings in French--these readings are provided as part of the class. Practice communicating in French while adding to your French vocabulary and strengthening your French grammar.
In each class, we'll also include a short grammar review related to our conversation topic using the text The Ultimate French Review & Practice. Our goal is to build confidence as well as conversational ability in French--and to also stay current on contemporary French culture. Class size is limited for maximum benefit.
Cost: The class fee is $95 per person and includes all guided conversation, language instruction, grammar review, cultural lessons, special handouts, and personalized language coaching. Advance registration is required. Payment by check or credit card. Class text: The Ultimate French Review & Practice: Mastering French Grammar for Confident Communication SECOND EDITION WITH CD-ROM (ISBN 0071744142); available at Amazon.com. NOTE: Please be sure to bring a copy of our book to the first class meeting!
| Date: |
Summer 2012 - If you are interested in this class, please email us at info.french@frenchaffaires.com. Class format runs once a week for 4 weeks. |
| Time: |
TBD |
| Cost: |
$95 per person |
| Location: |
Central Dallas location |
Travel French: Top 10 Keys to a Great Trip in France
Join us for this three-part class specifically devoted to traveling in France! We'll cover the following key language and culture topics that will make your time in France easy and rewarding:
- Greetings
- French Etiquette
- Markets
- Shopping
- Museums
- Hotels
- Taxis & Public Transport
- Restaurants
- Travel Logistics
- Money & Tipping
- How to choose the best French guidebooks & phrasebooks
This content-rich course focuses on key French expressions, cultural expectations and etiquette related to each of these areas. We'll discuss how to navigate these French travel situations and topics and spend time practicing the relevant French language to make your interactions with French people successful and even fun!
You will walk away with specific tips and strategies about traveling well in France and also the confidence to really enjoy your time there. Dr. Elizabeth New Seitz will lead our "Travel French" class experience, and our class size is limited for optimum learning. Please note that this class is conducted primarily in English with practice in French.
Class fee: The cost is $119 per person ($109 early registration!) and includes all class instruction, complete handouts, and personalized travel coaching. Bring your France travel questions! Advance registration is required through SMU's Informal Courses program.
| Date: |
3 Mondays - August 6, 13, 20 |
| Time: |
7 to 9pm |
| Cost: |
$119 per person - Note early registration discount of $109 |
| Location: |
SMU Main Campus in Dallas. Click here to register. (SMU course registration for this class opens sometime this summer. You may also contact the SMU Informal Courses office at 214-768-2273.) |
French Pronunciation Clinic New!
Join us for this new three-part class specifically devoted to pronouncing French with a real French flair!
In a fun and specific but-not-too-technical format, we'll participate in special targeted exercises, drills and readings to quickly enhance your French prounciation skills and to help shed that American accent. Whether you've taken just a bit of beginning French, majored in it in college or spent loads of time trying to speak in France, you will immediately notice positive results and feel much more confident interacting in the French language.
Dr. Elizabeth New Seitz has taught French to Americans for over 20 years and will lead our "French Pronunciation Clinic" experience. The class size is limited for optimum learning and personalized coaching. Class fee: The cost is $99 per person early registration and includes all pronunication instruction and exercises, cultural lessons, complete handouts, and personalized pronunciation coaching. Advance registration is required.
| Date: |
Summer 2012 - July 25, August 1, 8 (three Wednesdays) |
| Time: |
7 to 9pm |
| Cost: |
$99 early registration |
| Location: |
SMU in Dallas - Click here to register. Or call the SMU Informal Courses office at 214-768-2273. |
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