Tour France with food, wine at Metro Brasserie

Chef Matthew Taylor of Metro Brasserie & Bar. (Credit: Jill Richards/azcentral.com)

Rarely do people make plans ahead of time for Monday nights. They just sort of arrive, after a long day, and we are grateful for their merciful existence.

But Metro Brasserie & Bar wants diners to reassess how they start their weeks, inviting those who long to do more than endure another night of “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire” to a new series of dinners highlighting the cuisine and wine of various regions of France. Doesn't that sound more glamorous than figuring out another way to put dinner on the table without turning on the stove?

Called Pique-Nique d'ete, or summer picnic a la français, the family-style meals begin at 6:30 p.m. and are only open to 16 people each night. This way, everyone can ask questions of the sommelier who's on hand, pairing wines with the dishes prepared by executive chef Matthew Taylor. He'll cover the regions of Bordeaux, Côtes du Rhône, Languedoc, the Loire Valley, Burgundy, Alsace and Champagne. Guests will get a chance to try dishes such as Oysters Bienville, smoked trout, Tarte Tatin, Coq au Vin, Choucroute Garnie and Boudin Blanc.

Until the economy turns, this may be as close as many will get to recreating those gorgeous scenes in “Julie & Julia” during which Meryl Streep eats her way through Paris so decadently. And right now, who couldn't use a mini French vacation?

Details: Reservations required. The cost is $30 per person through Sept. 14. 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480-994-3663, metrosouthbridge.com.