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Bastille Day dining


Ah, Bastille Day. For the French it is a day to remember the storming of the Bastille and to celebrate liberty from the ancien regime. For the rest of us, it's an excuse to don a figurative beret and quaff French wine without fear of being accused of Francophile pretention - well, not much anyway.

This year Bastille Day falls on Monday, which might mean a long weekend in France, but here it just means most of our favourite French eateries are closed. But never fear; you can still get your fix of escargot and Bordeaux. Here are some of our top picks for Bastille Day eating.

1
 
Bilson's
Sydney
Tony Bilson is arguably one of Sydney's most famous Francophiles (at least in foodie circles anyway) and he's injecting an extra dollop of Gallicism into his already very French menu for Bastille Day. His 'La Fete Nationale' menu is a celebration of naughty French delicacies, from foie gras de canard to escargot and fromage. The menu is available on Saturday July 12 and the cost is $250 per person, including matching French wines.

2
 
Thyme2
Brisbane
Sofitel Brisbane can confidently promise an authentic experience, signing up French-born chef Patrice Falantin just in time for Bastille Day. France's national day provides an ideal opportunity for Falantin to pull out some much-loved French faves, with canard a l'orange, seafood bouillabaisse and crepe suzette all appearing on the menu. The cost is $49 per person for lunch and $59 for dinner.

3
 
L'etoile Restaurant and Bar
Paddington
A relative newcomer to the seldom-changing ranks of Sydney's French fine diners, this eatery has a struck a chord with many ex-pat Frenchies - always a good sign. They're celebrating Bastille Day on Saturday July 12 with a six-course menu. The cost is $90 per person, or $130 with wine.

4
 
Joseph's
Werribee South
The French are known for their educated appreciation of luxury, so the plush Mansion Hotel at Werribee is the perfect place to make like a French person. Chef Martin Horsley's menu is strong on experimental Gallic flavours and he'll be adding to this with a few special dishes on Saturday the 12th. Additionally, in-house guests will be treated to a complimentary glass of champers with their meal. Sounds like an excellent excuse to make a weekend of it.

5
 
Must Winebar
Highgate
One day of celebration just doesn't cut it at this French-mad bar and bistro. Must Winebar is celebrating the storming of the Bastille with a week of rustic French specials, such as escargot bourguignon and coq au vin. They're also running a French wine week with a vinous 'tour de France' on offer.

6
 
The Manse
North Adelaide
It's not a cigarette ash-lined Parisian bistro, but with its exquisitely elegant decor, The Manse is as glamorous as any of France's fine diners and a luxe destination for Bastille Day. Head chef Ayhan Erkoc has put together a six-course degustation menu of classic French food done with a modern twist (think foie gras mousse with watercress and apple; or beef with porcini sand). The cost is $90 per person, with a flight of French wines also available on request.

7
 
Bistro Vue
Melbourne
Fabulously French every day of the year, Bistro Vue is putting on a special effort for Bastille Day with a lunchtime degustation available from Monday June 14 to Friday June 18. The cost is $75 per person and each classic course will be matched with French wines.