While we don’t encourage storming any prisons this Bastille Day on Thursday, July 14 it is certainly the time to celebrate all things Francais.
What better way than to visit your favourite French restaurant and treat yourself to escargot, frogs’ legs and the best bubbles on the planet?
Dating back to 1789, Bastille Day was the turning point in the French Revolution when the people of Paris raided the Bastille seeking ammunition and gunpowder to arm themselves.
Let’s don a beret and striped T-shirt and head around the country to taste test some of our favourite dishes at these five restaurants:
Celebrate Bastille Day at Cognoscenti Food & Wine on Burwood Highway in Belgrave and say merci to a French-inspired five-course degustation dinner with premium French wines.
The soirée kicks off with canapés and champagne on arrival, before mushroom vol-au-vent to start, followed by John Dory, eye fillet, fromage and a dessert of Baba au Rhum and crème Chantilly; all served in stylish surrounds and a charming rustic vibe of recycled timber floors, potted greenery and shelves stocked with wine selections.
Santé to Freedom - Le 14 Juillet is right around the corner! Invite your revolutionary friends to experience the magic of Bastille Day at La Belle Vie Bistro on MacGregor Terrace in Bardon and tuck into a special three or five-course lunch, with dishes like foie gras, escargot, grilled quail and red wine jus.
Dinner time is Soirée Moulin Rouge time! You will be greeted by a glass of bubbles and exquisite Burlesque dancers, including Chantal Horneman, a former Moulin Rouge dancer! The finish? Get ready for the all-time favourite Can-Can show!
Expect to be entertained by a French accordion player as you devour a five-course dinner with the option of matching wines at Le Coin Bistro on Ennogera Terrace in Red Hill.
Settle into a relaxed vibe and feel the mood at dark wood tables next to walls adorned with Art Deco posters depicting Parisienne life, as you devour roast duck breast a l’orange and wild rice, before pepper-crusted lamb saddle, beetroot purée, horseradish and herbed carrots, paired with a glass of Malbec Cedre Heritage.
Head to La Palette Restaurant at Mount Ashby Estate on Nowra Road in Moss Vale on Saturday, July 16 for a special event Bastille Degustation Dinner, with pre-drinks in the Cellar Door, followed by a six-course meal in The Produce Store.
Tantalise tastebuds with truffles, artichoke, beef Wellington, terrine, chocolate and chestnuts; while cosying up by the fire with a glass of estate wine in hand at this French paddock-to-plate restaurant hidden in the stunning countryside of The Southern Highlands.
Celebrate liberty, equality and fraternity on Thursday with a luxurious menu showcasing French Périgord black truffles and a live jazz band at Le Tres Bon on Malbon Street in Bungendore.
Chef Christophe has prepared entrées such as cauliflower velouté with truffle, followed by slow-cooked beef cheeks in red wine, served with truffle-infused potato Jackson and lashings of fresh truffle. Finish indulgently with chocolate Vacherin and truffle-infused cream.
Still looking for a French dining destination near you? Click here for more options.
