What's on this Bastille Day?
Bastille day, Fête nationale or le quatorze juillet to the French, marks the anniversary of the day the Bastille Fortress was stormed as one of the the firsts acts of the French Revolution, in Paris, 1789. Today, we celebrate that act of liberation with croissants, cheese and all things French. Here are our picks around New Zealand...
All you really need to celebrate Bastille day is some good wine, and some delicious French food of your choice, whether its pain au chocolate or escargot... That said, quite a few of the events are already fully booked (notably Maison Vauron and Vulcan Lane) and there is nothing more fun than a crowd full of popping champagne corks and blue white and red stripes. Luckily, there are so many events around New Zealand, and there is so much good French food at our fingertips, you could almost believe you are in the streets of Paris.
So grab a beret, some friends and a baguette, and find an event near you or scroll to the bottom for dome of our favourite French recipes.
Auckland
La Fourchette Bastille Dinner
In association with the Alliance Français Auckland, La Fourchette is hosting a three course menu, with wine matching available. There'll be live music and prizes too!
Tuesday, 14 July 6PM-late | 8c Turua Street, St Heliers
Bastille Day French Market
If you've ever been to Philippe's Chocolate, you know they mean business with their chocolate, pastries and bread. This Bastille Day they have partnered with French Fine Foods importer and a selection of other vendors for an all-day market.
Tuesday, 14 July 7:30AM-5PM | 295 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Waikato
Bastille Day 2020 in Cambridge - French for the Day
Fun fact: Cambridge, New Zealand is 'twinned' with Le Quesnoy, France and there is a Cambridge-Le Quesnoy Friendship Association that keeps that bond alive. That association is celebrating Bastille Day by encouraging the citizens of Cambridge to go 'french for the Day'. A crepe van will be at Absolute Coffee House at midday along with petanque and a scavenger hunt.
Tuesday, 14 July 9AM-5PM | Cambridge
Bastille Day Film Evening in Cambridge
Considering the weather in Cambridge is looking like rain, the Tivoli Cinema's indoor event, nibbles, wine and a choice of two French films sounds like a mighty good idea. The films on offer are The Belier Family and Love at Second Sight - have a think about which you'd prefer and call ahead to book.
Tuesday, 14 July 6:30PM-10:30PM | Tivoli Cinema, 32 Lake Street, Cambridge
Manawatū-Whanganui
Bastille Day Potluck
Alliance Française Palmerston North is presenting the French National Day with drinks, nibbles and live music by Monsieur Robert Cleaver et 2 Amis. Bring a dish of your choice and a good pair of dancing shoes.
Saturday, 18 July | 47 The Square, Palmerston North
Bay of Plenty
Bastille Day Celebration at L'Epicerie Larder
Local stalls, live music, crepes and coffee in the back yard at Whakatane's French eatery on the Saturday after Bastille day.
Saturday 18 July 10AM-2PM | 128 Commerce Street, Whakatane
Wellington
Daisy's Bastille Day Dinner
New Wellington eatery Daisy's are putting on a five-course feast including 'Croque Mr', lamb shoulder and cheese. They promise wine on arrival and two friendly French servers, at $150 per person for the evening, including wine match.
Tuesday, 14 July 6PM-9PM | 328 Tinakori Road, Thorndon, Wellington
Bastille Day 'Quizz' Night
This year, Alliance Française Wellington is celebrating with an exclusive 'Quizz', so find a team and test your Francophile knowledge - the event is $10, nibbles will be provided, all questions and answers will be in English and it's BYO!
Friday 17 July 6PM | Alliance Française Wellington, 78 Victoria Street, Wellington
South Island
Bastille Day at Clos Henri Vineyard
We can't think of a better place than a vineyard to celebrate Bastille day and Clos Henri Vineyard is offering exactly that on the Sunday after the iconic date with wine, food and family activities.
Sunday, 19 July 11AM-3PM | 639 State Highway 63, Renwick
Bastille Day at Miss Lucy's
A rooftop in Queenstown is a rather chilly place to spend a French holiday while France has t-shirt weather, so Miss Lucy's are cleverly offering mulled wine and half-price pizzas... And of course there's a baked Camembert board on the menu.
Tuesday, 14 July 5PM-9PM | 47 Camp Street, Queenstown
Bastille Day at Pinot Cave
Celebrating France and celebrating wine really go hand in hand so Pinot Wine Cave and Grater Goods vegan delicatessen has a full selection of natural and classic French wines to "taste or quaff" along with canapes and French music.
Tuesday 14 July 4PM-1AM | 105 Orbell St, Christchurch, New Zealand
French Dinner at the Ascot Park Hotel
With a four course French dinner by Executive Chef Simon Henry matched with French wines and hosted by Stephane Fabre of Windsor Wines for only $95 per person, you'd better book fast!
Saturday 11 July 7PM-10PM | Ascot Park Hotel, Tay and Racecourse Road, Invercargill
More in the mood for Bas-staying in Day? Here are a few of our favourite French-inspired recipes...
latest issue:
Issue #114
Autumn has arrived, and with it, the latest issue of dish, jam-packed with recipes that will have you fizzing to get in the kitchen! With a long Easter lunch featuring perfectly pink, blushing roast leg of lamb and wildly decadent baked mashed potatoes with caramelised onions, to simply scrumptious chocolate treats and sensational seasonal baking this issue has you covered - we reckon the Hot Cross Buns are our best yet! Salads make way for soothing soups, pies, puddings and our cover star beef cheek ragù with spaghetti – a must-make dinner for family and friends. With over 60 recipes in our latest issue there’s plenty of inspiration to keep you busy – and well-fed! Don’t forget to share your dish dishes with our Facebook community.