Every year, the third Thursday of November marks the year's first vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau wine. Cities around the world--Denver included--celebrate the occasion. This year, join the merriment on November 20 as the local chapter of the French-American Chamber of Commerce celebrates French cuisine and the arrival of the lauded wine. The evening's festivities include tasting cuisine from more than 20 chefs, sipping 40 different French wines (including the Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2008), perusing the silent auction, and watching aerial performers. Bonus: A panel of guest judges--Claudine Pépin (television host and daughter of acclaimed chef Jacques Pépin), Gabby Gourmet, and myself--will award top chefs in three categories: best appetizer, best entrée, and best dessert. Later in the evening, the public votes for their favorite chef. $55 per person or $60 at the door. Culinary Challenge: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Wine and Food Festival: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mile High Station, 2027 W. Colfax Ave., 303- 695-7818