How to celebrate Bastille Day in Australia

While Australians tend to ignore the 4th of July and many other national days they are quite partial to celebrating both St Patrick's Day and Bastille Day.

Perhaps because both involve the enjoyment of alcohol.

Jean-Claude Mas, the man behind the Arrogant Frog wine label, has just released some new drops in time for Bastille Day on July 14.

Mas owns around 20 estates around the Languedoc region and says he crafted the Arrogant Frog range "for people that want to drink well without spending a fortune and to enjoy a wine that is incredibly consistent vintage after vintage".

He says the wines "deliver pleasure, style, and a real sense of place, all with limited fuss and a cheeky smile."

The newcomers are the Arrogant Frog Sauvignon Blanc 2023 and the Arrogant Frog Chardonnay 2023, along with Arrogant Frog Pinot Noir 2024 and, my favourite of the quartet, the Arrogant Frog Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 'Ribet Red' 2023.

Mas has these Pays d'Oc wines are $13.99 at Dan Murphy's, or $13.30 if you buy six or more. A very affordable way to mark Bastille Day celebrations.

But with Bastille Day falling on a Monday - maybe you might choose next weekend to celebrate in advance.

In Sydney, French-accented eateries Armorica (above) and Franca are hosting a weekend of celebrations with exclusive menu offerings and live jazz on Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13.

Jazz musicians will perform live from 1pm-4pm during lunch service at both venues, adding to the festive atmosphere, and guests will be greeted with a complimentary French 75 Cocktail upon arrival to toast the occasion in style.

Armorica is offering guests two set menus for Bastille Day Weekend: Liberté - minimum two persons - for $95pp and La Grande Révolution - minimum four persons for $160pp.

Franca is offering guests a three-course set menu for the weekend for $125pp.

See https://www.armorica.com.au/ and https://www.francabrasserie.com.au/

 

Hotels gear up for Bastille Day celebrations

Sofitel hotels across Australia are gearing for next week's Bastille Day celebration with events highlighting French style and culture.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Sofitel Adelaide, Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort and Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach will all be celebrating on July 14.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

This French-themed hotel is offering a selection of French inspired culinary delights at Soirée at the Wentworth from July 11-17. Indulge in signature dishes featuring French cheese and charcuterie, lamb façon bourguignon, and orange crème brûlée. Visit  www.sofitelsydney.com.au/whats-on/special-offers/bastilleday

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins

Showcasing the crème de la crème of French pastry, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins will be serving a Sofitel Paris-Brest in celebration of Bastille Day. This indulgent dessert features choux pastry, hazelnut praline ganache, crunchy nougatine and apricot sorbet. Available at No. 35 restaurant for $19, or sip on ‘That French Cocktail’ made with cointreau, Lillet Blanc, white chocolate syrup and fresh lemon for $23 at Atrium. Call 03 9653 7744.




Sofitel Adelaide

French-inspired restaurant Garçon Bleu will feature a four-course menu of French specialties paired with d’Arenberg wines, featuring special guest Chester Osborn – a 4th generation winemaker from d’Arenberg. Priced at $190. To book, visit https://garconbleu.com.au/upcoming-events. Guests can continue the celebrations by painting and sipping their way through France with the hotel’s Paint Au Vin event with free flow French sparkling, cheese and charcuterie and a French-themed painting session. Priced at $130. To book, call 08 8432 1900 or visit www.sofiteladelaide.com.au/sofitel-occasions/paint-au-vin-bastille/


Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort

The Sunshine Coast hotel will transport guests to a Parisian Bistrot on July 14, offering a Bastille Day Dinner at Noosa Beach House, which includes a set menu of French classics with a modern touch. With a menu created by classically trained executive chef George Francisco, guests can expect foie gras terrine, French onion soup, and raspberry soufflé with vanilla crème Anglaise to finish. Tickets are $110 per person or $170 per person for the complete French wine pairing package. Visit https://noosabeachhouse.com.au/bastille-day

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

The Gold Coast Sofitel will be welcoming arriving guests with complimentary Champagne and traditional macaroons on July 14. A Parisian-inspired coffee cart and boulangerie will also be offered in the lobby. Guests can dine in Room81 Restaurant and select from a wide variety of French Champagne, wines and French-accented menu items such as such as duck l’orange, beef bourguignon and crème brulee. To book, call 07 5592 2250.