Dust off those French phrasebooks and don your best red, white and blue, because Bastille Day takes over on Sunday July 14. This year marks 235 years since the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the spark that ignited the French Revolution, and the day has become a celebration of French identity and unity.
Fortunately, Sydney’s Francophiles won’t have to storm anywhere – except their favourite French bistros and establishments. From a perfect tarte tatin in Milsons Point to a bunch of multi-course dinners, there’s plenty on to embrace the French way of things.
Restaurant Hubert, CBD
Who doesn’t love Hubert? The swish dining room’s Magnum & Movies is getting involved with a screening of 2006 film Marie Antoinette. For $165, as well as the flick, there’ll be canapés upon arrival, popcorn and a buffet dinner at intermission – and free-flowing wine. Bookings essential.
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SIGN UPLoulou, Milsons Point
Celebrate in the dining room at this fine French space with a special three-course shared menu. Expect dishes like beef short rib bourguignon and grilled Murray cod served with vadouvan spice and brassicas. It runs from lunch till late and is $130 per person.
Or, if you’d prefer to stick to pastries, the boulangerie team has something for everyone. The ultra-rich Oreiller de la Belle Aurore is available in-store exclusively on July 13 and 14. And there’s a perfectly sticky apple tarte tatin and baked brie too. Order online so you don’t miss out.
Chez Blue, Rozelle
Chef Mark Williamson’s created a four-course menu especially for the weekend. Expect dishes such as truffle-topped Comté gougere (a savoury profiterole-like pastry) and roasted scallops served with cauliflower and vandouvan butter. There’s a dedicated wine pairing if you fancy, too. Bookings essential.
Bastille Festival, The Rocks
At the annual four-day celebration, find plenty of French food – like raclette (melted over potatoes), crepes, saucisson and baguettes to enjoy with a selection of stinky cheese. Plus there’s live music, dance classes and a mulled wine cinema experience. Sydney’s Bastille Festival takes over Circular Quay and The Rocks from Thursday July 11 till Sunday July 14.
Bouillon l’Entrecote, CBD
Mark the French occasion at Bouillon l’Entrecote on Sunday July 14. The team’s prepped a special three-course lunch menu, which takes you from a refreshing tuna tartare dressed in a yuzu pepper vinaigrette, to the popular herb-crusted MB5 lamb. Bookings essential.
Franca, Potts Point
All weekend, Franca’s serving up a three-course menu – which stretches into a supplementaire menu of delights, with the likes of croque monsieur and French onion soup. There are fingers of fluffy brioche with foie gras and winter truffle terrine, a choice of blanquette de veau (a veal stew) or Murray cod (both with frites), and crepes suzette to finish. Bookings essential.
Bistro Chouchou, Bondi
Les Femmes Diamant is bringing Paris to you on-stage and on-table at Bistro Chouchou. Expect a cabaret and burlesque show, plus a three-course menu spruiking ratatouille and garlicky escargot. It takes over the beachside digs on Friday July 12, and tickets are $125 per person. Bookings essential.