A Fleur-y of anticipation.

• ILENE POWELL

I’m really excited about this trip. Fleur Delicious kicks off tomorrow morning in Eureka Springs. A French festival featuring French cooking, French food… oh, there’s French music and French movies and all sorts of other French things, too — but this is what I’m looking forward to.

In the morning it’s a big to-do out at the Eureka Springs Farmers Market, with Chef Dave of The Grand Tavernekicking up some awesome French-inspired dishes made from local produce. Keel’s Creek Winery and Raimondo Cellars will both be represented — the former with wines right there from Eureka Springs and the latter with wines made from family grapes from California up in Gamaliel. I gotta tell you that story soon. Let’s just say I hope Margie brings some of those fabulous flavored oils and vinegars, too.

I digress.

Also looking forward to sharing café au lait and beignets with artists and attendees at a special reception tomorrow night at Caribe. Artist Robert Norman, the fellow who designed the cool poster for the event, will be feted there. I’m also looking forward to trying out some of the festival’s signature martinis, including the Eiffeltini(pictured to the left), which is a blend of Grey Goose Orange, St. Germaine Elderflower liqueur and Mango Passion Fruit Juice. A waiter’s race, some pencil-thin moustaches with berets and a bevy of local restaurants and bed and breakfast establishments putting out their French favorites. You can find so much more on the website. I’ll bring you reports from the festival. As I mentioned, I’m pretty excited about this.