Francophiles are in luck in Brisbane this weekend, because some of your favourite French restaurants are pulling out all le stops to celebrate Bastille Day. If you fancy a French feast, we’ve gathered the best events that will have you saying merci beaucoup!
Herve’s Restaurant
As a toast to the generous Parisian hosts of the 2024 Olympics, Hervé’s are dedicating a whole weekend to Bastille Day, la fête nationale, France’s celebration of liberty, equality and what Aussies might refer to as mateship.
Take your pick of dinner on Saturday 13 July from 5:30pm or lunch on Sunday 14 July from 12pm for an authentic five-course set menu, live music and a glass of champagne upon arrival.
Begin your French culinary journey by choosing the exquisite taste of fresh Sydney rock oysters as an optional extra, perfectly complemented by a champagne mignonette. For mains, you’ll start with a freshly baked sourdough roll, followed by French onion soup, and a decadent duck rillette tart, enhanced by the crispness of celeriac and the luxury of caviar.
As you savour the twice-baked goat cheese soufflé, balanced with pear, walnut, and rocket, you might imagine yourself dining at Café de Flore. Conclude your mains with a tender braised beef cheek served with rich and creamy pomme dauphinoise, sweet, glazed baby carrots, and a smooth garlic cream.
As one final celebration of French culinary artistry, you will be served with a delectable chocolate and hazelnut mille-feuille, topped with fresh raspberries.
Bookings are essential via hervesrestaurantbar.com.au at $120 pp for a two-hour seating. Vegetarian options and other dietary restrictions can be catered for with advanced notice. Guests are also welcome to enjoy a drink at the bar prior to or after dining.
When: Saturday dinner 13 July from 5:30pm or lunch on Sunday 14 July from 12pm
Where: Hervé’s Restaurant and Bar, Level 1, Craft’d Grounds, 35 Collingwood Street, Albion.
C’est Bon
Calling all Francophiles and lovers of all things French! C’est Bon at Woolloongabba has a spectacular Bastille Day weekend line up just for you, full of French elegance, cuisine, and live entertainment.
From Friday, 12th July to Sunday, 14th July, C’est Bon are hosting a weekend of events to commemorate this iconic French holiday including a French Shared Dinner, a Champagne Lunch and a Sunday Jazz session.
Bastille Shared Menu Dinner on Friday, 12th July & Saturday, 13th July
Celebrate Bastille Day with a delightful French Shared Menu for $89 per person featuring bottomless baguette and a complimentary crepe suzette. Guests can indulge in a variety of classic French dishes, perfect for sharing. The menu is designed to offer a true taste of France, combining traditional flavours with modern techniques. This menu includes a selection of Chef Andy Ashby’s A La Carte heroes that showcase the best of the best of his latest menu, making it a perfect celebration meal.
When: Bookings from 5pm, Friday 12th July and Saturday 13th July
Where: C’est Bon Restaurant
Cost: $89 per person
Includes: French Shared Menu with Bottomless Baguette and complimentary Crepe Suzette
Bookings: www.cestbon.com.au
Bastille Champagne Lunch on Saturday, 13th July
Raise your glasses and indulge in a luxurious French Champagne Lunch in C’est Bon’s moody and tres chic Cellar with communal seating. This experience includes a snack, four courses, and petit four all paired with exceptional Champagnes curated by Cest Bon’s Sommelier Miriam Rose. Begin with a smoked foie gras and laminated brioche, paired with NV Laherte Freres Ultradition Extra Brut. The first course features QLD Red Claw Thermidor, complemented by NV Lacourte Godbillon Terroirs l’ecueil 1er Cru followed by a second course of Murray Cod, mussel farci, and nettle velouté, perfectly matched with 2015 Louis Roederer Rosé Champagne. For the third course, enjoy ‘Rabbit Royale’ paired with NV MAGNUM Charles Heidsieck Champagne. Conclude your meal with a pain d’Épice savarin and parsnip ice crème, paired with NV Billecart Champagne Demi Sec, followed by a petit four of mont blanc choux bun with Christian Drouin Pommeau de Normandie to finish. At $195 per person, this event offers the ooh la la of Champagne experiences.
When: 12pm, Saturday 13th July
Where: C’est Bon Restaurant
Cost: $195 per person
Bookings: www.cestbon.com.au
Journée du Jazz Sunday, 14th July
Round off your weekend with a delightful French Shared Menu and live Jazz music for Bastille Day. Enjoy a selection of classic French delights, starting with homemade baguette served with Cultured Maleny Butter, followed by callop Thermidor Tart and Winter Mushroom Gougère. The meal continues with a twice baked crab Soufflé and Confit Leek & Nori Terrine with Nettle Velouté. For the main course, it doesn’t get any more French than Dry-Aged Duck a l’Orange with Blackberry, accompanied by Pommes Dauphine with Caviar and a side of bitter leaves with Kumquat and Pumpkin Seed Crème. The experience concludes with a classic Crepe Suzette served tableside, all for just $89 per person.
Join us for a weekend of celebration, indulgence, and the best of French traditions and experience the charm and sophistication of Bastille Day at C’est Bon. Bookings are available at cestbon.com.au.
What: Journée du Jazz
Where: C’est Bon Restaurant
When: 12pm, Sunday 14th July
Cost: $89 per person
Bookings: www.cestbon.com.au
Bisou Bisou
Bisou Bisou are revolutionising Bastille Day with a week-long extravaganza! Embrace the spirit of ‘Vive la France’ and dive into a carousel of French delights. Kick off the week by sipping on thier Blue, Blanc, and Rouge limited edition cocktail special while indulging in delectable French staples straight from La Rotisserie.
From Friday the 12th, savour classic charcuterie and luxurious fromage boards during Bisou Bisou’s aperitivo hour, featuring silky truffle brie, fresh baguette, and other delightful surprises. Bisou Bisou’s celebration of French culture and cuisine is definitely one to pop on the calendar this year!
When: Monday 08 July – Sunday 14 July
Where: Bisou Bisou, 458 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Bookings: https://bisou-bisou.com.au/
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
