It’s time to grab a crusty baguette, slab of cheese and glass of red to celebrate all things Français for Bastille Day on Friday, July 14.
Established in 1880, it commemorates both the storming of the Bastille on this date in 1789 as well as the Festival of the Federation in 1790.
Down Under, Bastille Day offers the opportunity to embrace France, its food, wine and culture as you enjoy your favourite dishes, either at home or at a local restaurant. Here are five that won’t fail to impress on July 14:
Modern, sophisticated French dishes taking inspiration from the traditional roots of the Burgundy region await discerning foodies at La Chouette on Alexandra Street in Hunters Hill. A stylish ambience of white-clothed tables, sandstone and a light green colour palette sets an elegant vibe for intimate dining with your special someone; while a large wall wine rack promises ideal pairings to dishes on the menu.
Say merci to entrées like pan-fried foie gras, potato reduction and fresh truffle or Burgundy snails served in the shell with parsley, garlic and butter; confit duck served cassoulet-style with white baked beans, sausage and pork, makes for a memorable main.
Consider your visit an indulgent journey of the senses at Cairns’ only truly French restaurant, C’est Bon on Lake Street. Expect a smart, casual tropical dining experience in stylish surrounds of parquet flooring, white-clothed tables and stunning wall art in a perfect marriage of French sophistication and down-to-earth local charm.
Sample a true taste of France – North Queensland-style – with starters like pork and kangaroo terrine, fennel and herb salad, leek ash and Black Forest jus; moving onto braised beef cheek, garlic mash, fried shallots, Brussels sprouts and red wine sauce.
Beach life and city trends harmonise amid a French touch at Hemingway’s on North Steyne in Manly. Like a good orchestra, the Manly foodie scene needs the most versatile instruments to play their best music and that’s where Hemingway’s comes in – think, draped curtains, dark wood table settings and monochromatic artwork on the walls.
Tartare de boeuf – steak tartare – mixed with capers, onion and cornichons, served with a baguette, makes for the ideal entrée before classic traditional bouillabaisse fish stew with seafood, Pernod liqueur and saffron.
La Palette Restaurant - Mount Ashby Estate on Nowra Road in Moss Vale is a boutique vineyard and award-winning restaurant hidden in the stunning countryside of The Southern Highlands. Soak up the view at this French-inspired paddock-to-plate dining destination; wander the grounds and inhale the fresh country air before heading indoors to chill out with a glass of wine and ponder a creative lunch menu.
Stop in for a leisurely lunch and order quiche Lorraine and green salad to start, then delve into slow-cooked pork belly, Mt Ashby Rosé jus, cauliflower purée and crackling. Delicious desserts such as soufflé aux framboises await those with room to spare.
Creative food inspired by the bustling bistros in the south of France, wines that stand up to the vibrant dishes and service that is warm and relaxed – that’s Noir Restaurant on Swan Street in Richmond. Humming with quality, energy and comfort, whether stopping in for a glass of wine, a quick dinner or a romantic night out, this restaurant is the place to see and be seen.
Embark on a memorable culinary journey with an entrée like escargot in garlic butter, crispy duck fat potato, jus gras and parsley salad, casting your net over mains like pan-roasted rockling fillet, haricot blanc and sorrel butter.
