For the first time since COVID-19 closed and then restricted restaurants across the state, the new Bistro 555 in West Houston will be hosting an in-house wine dinner in celebration of the anticipated release of France’s Beaujolais Nouveau.

Always an event that has many people asking why bother and wine aficionados turning up their noses, the first release of the new wine this year may be something different. It’s not that the wine will be any better, but that old traditions bring on a special fondness in these pandemic times. So it is, then, as it has been on the third Thursday in November every year, this year being Nov. 19, the young and light wine will again depart France by the crate loads just days before, and with great fanfare the bottles will be opened, sampled and the parties begin.

On Thursday, Nov. 19, Bistro 555, the new French restaurant at 13616 Memorial Drive and its owner, Genevieve Guy, will host the Beaujolais Nouveau dinner. Beginning at 7 p.m., the Bistro will uncork the 2020 Beaujolais Nouveau and serve it with an appetizer. Those sipping this new wine will join millions of others around the world doing the same thing, with many in the same pandemic-restricted lives as here. Tradition out of the way, the evening continues with four more courses each paired with selected, much finer wines. And who knows, the new wine may taste a little better coming with a good sip of nostalgia.

As seating is very limited in regard to COVID safety recommendations, reservations are required, and there is a $30 PayPal deposit per person to secure them. Cost for the dinner is $69 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The non-refundable deposit will be applied to the cost of the dinner. The restaurant will not be offering its regular menu that night.

Bistro 555, 13616 Memorial Drive, is a new restaurant that replaced Bistro Provence in September. Its name refers to its unique, three-course menu offered at lunch and dinner which offers five choices per course. It is open for both lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and for dinner on Saturday. It is closed Sundays. For reservations, call 713-827-8008, email [email protected] or go to the web site www.bistro555.com.

Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Dinner

7 p.m. Thursday, November 19th

Amuse bouche

Beaujolais Nouveau 2020

First Course

Petite salade de Saucisson Lyonnais et pomme de terre

Potato and saucisson lyonnais salad

Beaujolais Villages Blanc “La Jacarde” 2018

Second Course

Oeuf en Meurette

Egg Meurette

Regnié “Vieilles Vignes” 2019

Third Course

Poulet aux écrevisses

Chicken stew and crawfish sauce

Regnié “Authentic” 2018

Fourth Course

Mousse à la poire, sirop de Beaujolais

Pear mousse, Beaujolais syrup

Côtes de Brouilly, 2018

Menu is $69 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity

A $30 deposit via Paypal is required

Call 713-827-8008