July 14 sees Melbourne turn a little French for the celebration of la fête nationale, or Bastille Day.
Several Melbourne venues are putting on a show, and here are some of the best.
Milk the Cow
All things French are being celebrated all week at Milk the Cow. This weekend enjoy live French music at the fromagerie.
From 7pm Friday 11 July
From 7pm Saturday 12 July
From 4pm Sunday 13 July
No need to book, just come on down and enjoy the atmosphere!
Join us for a French 75 cocktail on arrival, followed by a guided all-French cheese and wine tasting with talks from our cheesemongers and sommeliers and finishing up with a French farmer’s-style supper board along with live music from our favourite roving accordionist. Tickets $58 per person.
1/157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
The Botanical
Celebrate the French Revolution at Botanical with a five course degustation that will follow the Peloton through the French countryside; experience regional cuisine from Champagne, Besancon, Grenoble, Carcassonne and then finish in Paris on Le Champs-Elysees.
$110pp or $145pp with matching wines
Bookings essential on 9280 7888 or email [email protected]
169 Domain Road, South Yarra
Albert St Food and Wine
Chef Jason Rodwell will bring his love of regional French cuisine to Albert St Food & Wine with an extravagant hunting-themed Bastille Day feast.
The French-inspired lunch will take place on Sunday 13 July – the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille that sparked the French Revolution – from 12.30pm for 1pm at a cost of $75 per person.
Corner of Albert St & 382 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
Bistro Vue
Head chef extraordinaire Chris Bonello gives us his spin on the legendary nouvelle cuisine of French master, Paul Bocuse.
Join Bistro Vue for one enchanted evening through the Loire Valley, Provence to Burgundy
Celebrations commencing at 7pm on Monday July 14, $155 per person. Bookings essential
03 9691 3838
430 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
The French Brasserie
Chef Lucas Julien-Vauzelle has brought together some of France’s favourite ingredients to create a fabulous menu that’s perfect for Bastille Day.
Celebrations will take place on Sunday 13th July – Kir Royal on arrival, shared lunch menu ($85 per person) and entertainment.
2 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne
Claypots Evening Star
This year the Masters of Ceremonies for the annual Bastille Day celebrations at Claypots are Chris Naurois and Ced Le Meledo. The evening kicks off from 5pm and will see plenty of drinking, dancing and celebrating of all things chic and everything French.
South Melbourne Market
101-103 Cecil Street, South Melbourne
www.facebook.com/claypotseveningstar
Mr Mason
Dine like French royalty for a night enjoying Head Chef Thiago’s bountiful three course banquet.
This classic feast will be matched with a variety of free flowing French wines.
Saturday 12th July, 6.30pm
$120 per person/ $1000 for a group of 10
To book call 03 9614 4500 or email [email protected]
Shop 10, 530 Collins St, Melbourne
Union Dining
A whole weeks’ worth of celebrating is being done at Union Dining. Head Chef Nicky Riemer has developed a stunning special menu to celebrate the occasion.
From Tuesday the 15th of July to Saturday the 19th of July Union will feature some classic French fare in addition to their a la carte menu.
Tuesday: Pissaladiere and Coq au vin
Wednesday: Gruyere Gougeres and Bouillibaise
Thursday: Steaktartare and Duck a l’orange
Friday: Salade au Roquefort and Bouef Bourguignon
Saturday: Terrine de Maison and Cassoulet
This carte de jour is a very special offer of a set entrée and main with a glass of wine for $45
270 – 272 Swan Street, Richmond
France-Soir
South Yarra Persian bistro, France Soir will be celebrating with music and dancing and their beautiful French menu will of course be on show, leaving all patrons feeling like they’ve experienced a little bit of Paris!
11 Toorak Rd, South Yarra