Happy Labor Day!

La Fête du Travail, or Labor Day, is not celebrated on the first Monday in September as in the United States and Canada. However, in France La Fête du Travail is celebrated on May 1. A chance to celebrate workers' rights, the French have celebrated La Fête du Travail for over 65 years.

Lily of the Valley

Rumored to be a centuries-old tradition dating back to King Charles IX, many French give Lily of the Valley to one another to commemorate the holiday. In 1907, two decades after the movement that celebrated the anniversary of the French Revolution as well as serve as a workers' rights day began, the Lily of the Valley took prominence as the holiday's symbol. 

With the introduction of the eight-hour work day in France, May 1 became publicly recognized as a holiday in 1919. After a hiatus during World War II, May 1 was reinstated as a holiday in 1947, officially becoming La Fête du Travail the very next year. 

Throughout France, La Fête du Travail is a day for celebrating workers and their rights, while campaigning against injustice and promoting human rights in general.

However, since we here at Chez Daniel reside stateside, we will be celebrating Labor Day with the rest of the United States on Monday, September 2. (Please note: We will be closed while we celebrate the occasion). Therefore, use the day to reflect on the positive contributions that workers have made for the country as well as be inspired to further the social and economic achievements of our workers. We know we will!

Happy Labor Day!

Cool Off with a Champagne Cocktail!

With this August heatwave that's got a grip on the Twin Cities, everyone's looking for ways to chill out and cool off. Champagne Cocktails are the perfect way to celebrate summer's bold end in style and add some 'pop' to your patio time. Plus, many champagne cocktails may be easily modified with lemon-lime or even plain soda water if you'd prefer not to imbibe in the heat.

We're re-sharing the list of a few of our favorite Champagne Cocktails for you to make, drink, and enjoy during these last, lazy days of summer.

Champagne Punch

(From Martha Stewart Weddings)

Ingredients

1 thinly sliced peach

1 cup raspberries

1 cup blueberries

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup Simple Syrup

1 bottle champagne or other sparkling white wine

Directions

In a pitcher, combine ice, peach, raspberries, blueberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Slowly pour in champagne or other sparkling white wine.

The Fizz 

(From our friends at Woolley's Steakhouse)

Ingredients

1/2 ounce Malibu Caribbean Rum 

1/2 ounce Midori Melon Liqueur

3/4 ounce Pineapple Juice

Champagne, for topping off (about 

Directions

Combine equal parts Malibu and Midori to two parts Pineapple Juice in a shaker. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Top with champagne.

Pear Lemon Fizz

(From Martha Stewart Weddings)

Ingredients

1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) pear vodka

3/4 ounce (4 1/2 teaspoons) Lemon Verbena Simple Syrup

1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice

Champagne, for topping off (about 1/2 cup)

1 fresh lemon verbena leaf, for garnish

Directions

Combine vodka, syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker. Shake, and then strain into a glass. Top off with Champagne. Garnish with lemon verbena.

Frizzante Mojito

(From Martha Stewart Weddings)

Ingredients

6 fresh mint leaves

3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

1 ounce Simple Syrup

1 1/2 ounces rum, preferably Cruzan

2 dashes Angostura bitters

2 ounces Champagne or Prosecco, chilled

Directions

In a pint or mixing glass, muddle together mint, lime juice, and simple syrup to release mint oils. Add rum and bitters; shake over ice. Strain into a cocktail glass or coupe; top with Champagne.

We're pretty sure that gives you a good start. Then, there are always Bellinis, sparklers, sangria, and even mimosas - perfect for celebrating the kids' timely return to school!

À votre santé !

French Macarons -- The New Cupcake

While we've long hailed the joys of a perfectly made French macaron, it seems that the world is beginning to take notice as well. Now being touted as the "next cupcake", we're glad that people are finally catching on.

In his HuffPost Taste article, Damon Banks would have to agree. "Though I do enjoy a moist cupcake as much as the next guy, now seeing storefronts elegantly decorated with the beautiful colors from the many flavors of these macarons is a refreshing update from the past few years where cupcakes seem to be advertised on every corner."

While the discussion of macarons probably stirs up fond thoughts of those delicious coconut delights that we in the U.S. like to refer to as macaroons (with two o's), true French macarons are a whole different treat!

A meringue cookie, the name macaron comes from the description of one of its principal ingredients, almond paste. Macarons are the delight of French patisseries and can be found throughout the world in French bakeries. Beautifully colored, depending on their main flavor, they're almost too pretty to eat! (That is until you try a bite).

From Sea Salt Caramel to Mint Chocolate, Pistachio to Lavender, Strawberry to Green Tea, the flavors are endless!

However, with the macaron's growing popularity here in the U.S., they're not nearly as hard to find as they once were. Many local bakeries here in the Twin Cities offer up some pretty fierce macaron competition. We won't name names or dish on favorites, but we haven't met one locally that we haven't liked!

There are several different historical claims as well as variations that you'll find in your taste travels. However, they can also be made at home. For a simple, easy to try recipe, we like the following French Macaron recipe, borrowed from the Food Network.

Go out in search of some French macarons or make some for your next gathering, and you're sure to be the hit of the party!

Holidays at Chez Daniel

Chez Daniel has a longstanding tradition of being the place for holiday celebrations in the Twin Cities. Our commitment to serving quality, authentic French fare continues to wow our guests and keeps them coming back in what soon become holiday traditions for their own families.

When you leave all the of the meal preparations and clean-up to us, you're free to enjoy your holiday to the fullest!

Holidays at Chez Daniel

Easter

Our mouthwatering Champagne Easter Brunch is a wonderful way to celebrate the Easter holiday with your friends and family. Enjoy our delicious medley of French and American cuisine from the kitchen of Executive Chef Pierre Jean Laupies. Reservations are strongly encouraged, so mark your calendars. Brunch is typically served from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

To review previous Easter Brunch Menus, please CLICK HERE. 

Mother’s Day

Treat your Mother to an elegant Mother's Day Champagne Brunch on her special day. Featuring an extravagant spread of French and American favorites created by Executive Chef Pierre Jean Laupies, this exclusive event is sure to please the entire family. Brunch is typically served from 10:30am to 2:00pm and again reservations are strongly encouraged.

To review previous Mother's Day Brunch Menus, please CLICK HERE.

Thanksgiving

Focus on your family, not the dirty dishes, this Thanksgiving as Executive Chef Pierre Jean Laupies prepares all the traditional Thanksgiving favorites with a few French twists. Our holiday Champagne Thanksgiving Day Brunch is the perfect dining event on this festive day. Brunch usually runs from 10:30am to 2:00pm. Begin a new Thanksgiving tradition and make your reservation today.

To review previous Thanksgiving Day Brunch Menus, please CLICK HERE.

Christmas Day

Celebrate peace on earth with this harmony of French and American cuisine designed by Executive Chef Pierre Jean Laupies. Our Christmas Day Champagne Brunch combines the best of breakfast, lunch and dinner in one magnificent buffet spread. Coffee, juice, soda and champagne are on the house. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Please call for more information.

To review previous Christmas Day Brunch Menus, please CLICK HERE.

This year, make plans to continue or begin a holiday tradition with your family at Chez Daniel. 

For more information on any of our delightful holiday brunches or to make your reservations now, please call us at 952-888-4447. 

Upcoming Wedding Event - Support Your Local Vendors on August 20

Our Embassy Weddings team is putting together their own mini-wedding expo featuring all of the unique and "must-meet" wedding vendors from our area. Since the Twin Cities are chock full of talented wedding professionals, all offering many unique things for your special day, Allie and Renee wanted to give you the opportunity to meet some of these folks in person and see firsthand the products and services they offer!

While Allie and Renee often get to attend events and meet different wedding professionals themselves, they wanted to get them together all in one place for couples planning their weddings. Not only that, but now you can glean inspiration that could be helpful to you in your planning process.

These are vendors that you may not have heard about before or even thought of using their services until you see them in person. We strongly suggest that you come check it out. Best of all, it's FREE for you and lunch will be served. Throughout the event, you'll have time to mingle and talk to the vendors and find out whether or not they would be able to help make your dream wedding day come true.

Support Your Local Wedding Vendors Expo

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

11:30am - 1:30pm

Embassy Suites Bloomington

2800 American Blvd West, Bloomington MN 55431

Please RSVP to the Facebook Event on the Embassy Weddings Facebook page, and make sure to include whether you plan to bring a guest. Then, the Embassy Weddings team will reveal more information about the vendors and the event as the date approaches.

We hope to see you there!