Le Festival de Cannes is organized into several sections, but the main event of the festival is titled La Sélection officielle (The Official Selection).  This includes the Competition category, and films that fall under this category compete for the festival’s most sought after prize—La Palme d’Or (The Golden Palm).

This prestigious award is chosen by a jury of judges, and this year’s president of the jury is Nanni Moretti, an Italian director that has won several awards at le Festival de Cannes, including the coveted Palme d’Or.  This year’s jury also includes American actors Diane Kruger and Ewan McGregor.

Once the jury selects a winner, the Palme d’Or is given to the director of the best feature film in the Competition category.  Previous winners include Taxi Driver, Apocalypse Now, Pulp Fiction and The Tree of Life.  Included among this year’s nominees are two French films—De Rouille et d’os (Rust and Bone) and Vous n’avez encore rien vu (You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet).

Watching a French film is an outstanding and effective way for students of the French Institute of the North Shore in Winnetka to increase comprehension of oral French.  Even if that isn’t enough, there are plenty of other brilliant films on this year’s list of nominees.  However, the list is rather substantial, so for those of you that have a passion for film, you might want to get a head start on watching all of these wonderful films, because the festival starts in one day!

When it was released November 2nd, “The Intouchables” (also know as “The Untouchables”) seemed an unremarkable, lowbrow French comedy about a disabled aristocrat and the good-humored ex-con whom he hires as his aide. Yet the movie has proved an unexpected sensation. One of the two main actors in “The Intouchables” Omar Sy won the Cesar (the French equivalent of the Oscar Awards) for best actor, beating out Jean Dujardin. While “The Artist” won best movie of the year at both the Cesar awards and the Oscar awards, “The Intouchables” has proven more popular with moviegoers in France.

By November 25th, after only four weeks in theaters, “The Intouchables” attracted about 11 million viewers (17% of the French population) and after sixteen weeks, more than 19 million people had seen the film. “The Intouchables” became the most-watched film in France in 2011 and the second most-seen French movie of all-time in France.

The film has been described as a feel-good movie “à la française”. Philippe, played by François Cluzet, is a physically disabled, cultured, well-mannered man who listens to classical music and writes love letters filled with poetry, the picture of established French nobility. He turns his world upside down when he hires Driss, played by Omar Sy, a young, good-humored, hotheaded, black Muslim ex-con as his caretaker. For different reasons the characters are lost and lonely, and they end up helping to enrich each other’s lives.

Critics have praised the move for its spirited punch lines, Mr. Sy’s energetic performance and its combination of broad humor and a humanist message. Not only is it “well written and well told” as Emmanuel Ethis, a sociologist who specializes in cinema and is the president of the University of Avignon said, “It tells a lot about the permanent value of living together in harmony.” The bond between Philipe and Driss proves the ability of friendship to overcome all social and economic differences.

“The Intouchables” is coming to theaters in the United States on May 25.

Photo courtesy of wallpapers.org

Easter is celebrated in France much as it is in America, with various religious ceremonies commemorating the rebirth of Jesus.

The predominant religion in France is Roman-Catholic (90%).  No city, village or town is without a church.  Many of them date back to the twelfth century or before. Most churches have a bell, which is rung joyfully throughout the year marking various events and the passage of time.  On the Thursday before Good Friday, all church bells in France are silenced in acknowledgement of Jesus’ death.  In fun, children are told that the bell’s chimes have flown to Rome to see the Pope. These cloches volants (flying bells) return on Easter Sunday morning and bring with them lots of chocolate and eggs. In some villages, people kiss and embrace one another when they hear the bells ring.

Easter Morning
Easter morning is a happy time for children who wake to look for colorfully decorated Easter eggs (les oeufs de Pâques) hidden in their gardens, homes and playgrounds.  Parents tell their children the eggs were brought from Rome (where the chimes had gone), and that when the chimes returned they brought the eggs
with them.

Easter Games
Raw eggs are rolled down a gentle slope.  The surviving egg is declared a victory egg, and symbolizes the stone being rolled away from Jesus’ tomb.

Traditional Feast
Lamb is traditionally cooked for Easter in France. ‘Gigot D’agneau’ (leg of lamb) is prepared in many Christian household in France, especially for the ceremonious occasion. Among the traditional recipes of France, lamb stew is very popular. The typical French recipe is prepared by making use of spring vegetables.

Try incorporating one of these traditions into your Easter celebration this weekend.

Cuisses de grenouille à la provençale (Photo credit: La Grignotière)

Yes indeed, the practice of eating frog legs is alive and well in France. While France is one of many counties (including Thailand, Vietnam, and the U.S.) in which frog legs are eaten, they have captured the imagination as one of the more infamous aspects of French cuisine

Frenchmen eating frog legs remains a popular French stereotype, to the point that “Frog-eaters” or “Frogs” has become a popular nickname for the French. The nickname traces its origins to the trenches of WWII, from British soldiers mocking the French soldiers for their consumption of frogs (while in return the French called the British “roast bifs”).

In France frog legs are considered more of a delicacy rather than an everyday meal. They are prepared by sautéing in various sauces, such as cuisses de grenouilles à la provencale (with garlic and parsley), cuisses de grenouille à la poulette (egg and cream), fried, or even as an ingredient in quiches and tourtes (a savory pie with a top crust). Frog legs are often described as tasting like chicken, because of their mild flavor, and a texture similar to chicken wings. The taste and texture of frog meat are approximately between chicken and fish, which accounts for their consumption in Europe in the first place.

Frog legs first appear in France in the 12th century, in records of the Catholic Church. Church authorities, believing monks had been growing too fat, created more fast days, during which monks were not allowed to eat meat. Religiously observant but hungry, the monks persuaded the Catholic Church to categorize frogs as fish rather than meat. French laymen, facing the same fasting restrictions, followed the monks’ example and the practice of eating frog legs was born.

Frog legs quickly developed into a traditional French dish. By the 1600s Alexander Dumas recorded in his Grande Dictionnaire de Cuisine, that fortunes were made fattening frogs and selling them “to the very finest restaurants in Paris, where this foodstuff was very much in fashion”. In fact, frogs have remained so popular that overharvesting led the French government to ban farming and capturing frogs in 1980. According to government figures the French still consume 70 tons a year of domestically gathered frogs, and import as many as 4,000 tons of frogs from other countries.

Consumed at popular local events such as the annual Foire aux Grenouilles in Vittel, and included on the menu of traditional and gastronomic French restaurants, frog legs remain a popular French delicacy.

February is award season in the U.S.  From the Grammy’s to the Oscars, we all tune in to find out who was best new singer or which was the best film of the year.  The French too, have their own awards.  On February 24th, the French will award the Césars, the national film awards.

The first César was handed out in 1974.  Prior to that, France had no equivalent to the Oscars.  It was not until 1974 when Georges Cravenne, a French film producer, created the Césars “for the greater good of the promotion of cinema, and Europe.”  In its early years, the Césars only consisted of 13 awards.  Today, there are more than 20 Césars categories.

Similar to the Oscar’s Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Académie des arts et techniques du cinéma, is charged with selecting the nominations for the Césars. More than 4,000 members compose the Académie.

The Césars are held at the Théâtre du Châtelet, in the first arrondissement, in Paris each year.  Although highly anticipated by the French, the popularity of the Césars pales in comparison to the Oscars, which are televised in more than 100 countries each year.  Of course much of this is due to the fact that the French Césars are exclusively awarded to French actors and films with only one category for international films.  This however, is not the case with the Academy Awards.

This year’s L’artiste (The Artist), produced by Thomas Langmann, is expected to sweep up a handful of Césars and Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor in Leading Role, Best Actress in Supporting Role, Best Costume Design, Best Directing and Best Film Editing.

Even if you only watch the Oscars, this year’s awards will be interesting given that many of the nominations include both American and French films.  Make sure you catch the télé to find out who the biggest winner will be!

Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras. Whichever name you prefer, it all refers to an animated celebration right before the start of the Lenten season. Although not an official holiday, Mardi Gras enjoys a strong presence in the U.S.

In the U.S., Mardi Gras is synonymous with New Orleans, where the first Mardi Gras celebrations took place in the early 1700s. According to history, French-Canadian explorer, Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville, was sent to North America by King Louis XIV to defend France’s territory of Louisiane. On March 2nd of 1699, he landed just south of New Orleans and called it Pointe du Mardi Gras. In 1718, it would become New Orleans.

Each year, approximately 800,000 people flock to New Orleans to participate in the many Mardi Gras festivities. Businesses close and the whole city celebrates. The city of New Orleans transforms itself into a sea of purple, green and gold for the grand event. These are the traditional colors of Mardi Gras, dating back to the late 1800s. Respectively, they represent justice, faith and power.

Today, music, parades, floats, beads and costumes are the essence of Mardi Gras. Elaborate floats energize the thousands of spectators by throwing beads and other souvenirs.

In France, Mardi Gras celebrations date back to the Middle Ages. To follow suit with French traditions, the French School has its own parade each year. After working meticulously to make colorful crowns, masques or hats, students participate in an annual parade, singing and donning festive New Orleanais beads.

Mexique, Chicago

Nestled in West Town, Mexique offers an upscale Mexican dining experience with an absolute, creative French touch. The minimalist and simplistic décor of neutrals and friendly staff creates an inviting setting that showcases Chef Carlos Gaytan’s creations, which are inspired by his French training and Mexican heritage.

Starting with appetizers, the ceviche was elevated with a tasty salsa verde, almonds and sweet potato chips. The Mexique salad was wonderful blend of fresh spinach, spicy apples, cranberries, blue cheese, walnuts and a warm balsamic, chorizo vinaigrette.

The entrées highlighted traditional Mexican dishes with sophisticated touches. The carne asada was mouthwatering, served on a bed of fingerling potatoes and a delicious, tangy goat cheese fondue. While the cordero, an herb-crusted rack of lamb, fell right off the bone, the real highlight of this dish was the coffee braised lamb shoulder barbacoa sope topped with pickled jalapeños.

When it comes to French influence, the dessert menu was certainly the most impressive and creative. The enchiladas, two crêpes filled with warm chocolate ganache, were refined with an ancho chile chocolate fondue sauce that truly made this dish exceptional. The apple tart too, was kicked up a notch with a warm cajeta. From enchiladas to guacamole, the dessert menu offered a true blend of French and Mexican cuisine.

True to its name, Mexique offers a sophisticated blend of Mexican and French cuisine with a modern take on Mexican gastronomy. Berets (and sombreros) off to this restaurant and Chef Gaytan!

Seaweed Massage, Photo courtesy of M-Spa

As the snow finally starts to accumulate in the Chicagoland area, and the temperature is finally dropping to temperatures that merit a full ensemble of gloves, hats and scarfs, many of us may find that we didn’t miss the winter so much after all. Instead of warming up by the fireplace, you may find that you prefer a relaxing retreat on the French shores of the Atlantic.

In the seaside towns of Brittany, Normandy, and Bordeaux are where you will find most of the world’s thalassotherapy spas. This treatment is a French specialty, which advocates the benefits of seawater, seaweed, marine mud and the marine climate. Pioneered in France in the early 1900s and originally prescribed by doctors for medical purposes, thalassotherapy is nowadays more often considered a cure to relax and detoxify the body rather than to treat it.

Be it a man, woman, young mom or senior citizen, the French flock to these spas at least during one of their frequent vacations. These trendy and upscale places, where one can relax, forget the stress of modern life and restore both their body and mind to a state of absolute serenity have become a part of the French art de vivre. Just one day in the seaside paradise looks like this: regular massages and hydro massages (with sea water), underwater showers in warm sea water pools, gentle exercises in pool, mud baths (sounds terrible but in fact delightful), seaweed, mud and algae body wraps. The result is as obvious as quick. No more stress or tension, less back pain or joint pain, smooth and rejuvenated skin, and the headache that won’t go away, finally has. If this weren’t convincing enough, guests are encouraged to add daily walks on the beach, tours in the local street markets of nearby villages, shopping for delicious fish and sea shells, fresh and healthy local produce, to their agendas.

Seafood Perfection at Oceanique, Evanston

In a somewhat eclectic setting, Oceanique in Evanston was true to its reputation and served some of the most deliciously prepared seafood I have ever eaten. Recently, my husband and I indulged ourselves in Chef Mark Grosz’s tasting menu, explained in great detail by our extremely helpful and knowledgeable waiter who provided impeccable service.

Our amuse-bouche of salmon ceviche was fresh and light and accomplished it’s mission of tickling our appetites. The scallops in our subsequent course were tender, perfectly cooked and seasoned with a blend of Asian spices, not overwhelming the delicately flavored scallops – an outstanding dish.

For our main course, the lightly seared tuna (beautifully rare in the center), accompanied by chanterelles mushrooms, eggplant, bacon and turnips provided a nice twist on this popular fish.

Keeping in theme with unique flavor blends, the lemongrass infused crème brulée was original and decadently satisfying.

There is no denying this restaurant prepares fish like no other. In addition to the seafood being of top quality, the presentation was artistic and inventive. Even for those who may not be fish enthusiasts, Oceanique will convert you into a fish lover. Berets off to Oceanique!

Photo Courtesy of Goosto.fr

The New Year always brings the customary predictions regarding the year ahead. A tasty way for making predictions regarding the new year is to do what the French do – celebrate La Chandeleur. With roots in ancient Roman times, la Chandeleur is celebrated on February 2nd and marks the end of the Epiphany season. It’s also dubbed crêpe day.

More than an excuse to eat good crêpes, la Chandeleur serves to predict the bountifulness of the year ahead. Unlike the groundhog, which only reveals how many more weeks winter will stick around, Chandeleur crêpe flipping foretells whether your family finances will be good or bad for the year.

The old but time-tested tradition involves holding a gold coin (or any coin of your choice) in the left hand while flipping a crêpe. Tradition says that if the crêpe successfully lands in the pan when flipped, your finances will flourish.  If the crêpe lands crumpled in the pan, your bank account will be depleted. For French families, la Chandeleur is a highly anticipated event. The entire family gathers in the kitchen in hopes that the year ahead will be prosperous.

With just a few weeks away from la Chandeleur, it’s time to start exercising your wrist muscles and plan your crêpe meal. Don’t fear if your crêpe doesn’t land perfectly in the pan; Crumpled crêpes accompanied by sugar, Nutella or your choice of fruit preserves are just as delicious.