Bastille Day celebrates French food
THE French national day, Bastille Day pays tribute to the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, a major event in the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which commemorates the unity of the French people on July 14, 1790.
Alliance Française de Toowoomba president Clémence Demouzon, who is originally from Paris, said that in France, celebrating the national day was always done amongst family and friends and was the occasion to gather around gorgeous food.
“As we know, the French do love their food,” she said.
She said the Alliance Française de Toowoomba community celebrated the dayat the Toowoomba Motel and Events Centre, which was transformed into a French-inspired affair, decked with red, white and blue, and the smells of delicious French cuisine in the air to celebrate.
Ms Demouzon said about 60 people attended the celebrations by the not-for-profit group and learnt about French culture through trivia entertainment, singing and quizzes.
“Guests, mostly wearing French-inspired attire such as stripey clothing and berets, were greeted musical duo Rubatuba, who also played the accordion and tuba at the Brisbane French Festival this year,” she said.
She said local caterer East Street Kitchen served an alternate drop three-course meal, with dishes like crispy skin duck breast with slow-cooked du Puy lentils, smoked eggplant and marsala jus, or classic beef bourguignon and Paris mash.
“The feast was complemented by French aperitifs and wine, and each table was named after a French cheese,” she said.
Ms Demouzon said several local businesses supported the event by donating prizes.
Alliance Française has been in the Toowoomba community for more than 50
years and currently has more than 100 members.
Membership is open to
people of all ages and includes access to French language classes and
discounted ticket prices for special events like the 2017 Bastille Day celebration.