Coming up on July 14, Bastille Day marks the anniversary of the day that this infamous prison was stormed in 1789. And in France, it’s kind of a big deal.
A medieval fortress, the Bastille served as a prison in the center of bustling Paris, where most of the citizens were not particularly happy with the folks in charge. High taxes, rising food prices, the aristocracy’s extravagant spending all fueled the discontent, which came to a head when 300 strong gathered at the Bastille, seizing weapons from the armory and demanding the release of prisoners.
A battle ensued. The people won. The walls came down. The King lost his head. The monarchy was abolished. (This is the very short version.)
The French Revolution marked the beginning of the French Republic we know today. And the nation celebrates this every year — with military parades and fireworks and, of course, food.
There’s no official menu, but if you’re a Francophile, or still riding high on your experience at “Les Miserables” recent run at the Dr. Phillips Center, or just looking for an excuse for a killer picnic, you could do worse than a basket stuffed with some of the best French goodies this city has to offer.
Below, a few suggestions from the pros:
Pain
Recently, I watched a fun flick from 2006 called “Marie Antoinette.” It’s not earth-shaking, but the clothes? Gah! Ils sont incroyables! (It won Best Oscar for Costume Design, in fact.) And she did eat a lot of cake.
Interestingly, Kirsten Dunst’s beautiful Marie denies saying that famously oblivious line to which she is forever credited. And evidence from the scholars actually bears that out. That said, you’ll want some for your basket. And for lamination any French citizen could be proud of, I suggest Winter Park’s Buttermilk Bakery, where owner Taissa Rebroff has the goods.
Kouign Amann: “It’s a laminated pastry made with salted butter and sugar between the layers,” says Rebroff. “Sweet but not too sweet, with a wonderful crunchy, caramelized exterior and fluffy inside.” ($5)
Chocolate Croissant: “A classic, what else do I need to say? We use an amazing semi-sweet Valrhona chocolate.” ($5.25)
Turkey, Bacon and Brie Croissant: “The perfect savory treat for a picnic. Deli turkey, smoky bacon, brie and mostarda, an Italian grape-based chutney.” ($5.95)
More info: 1198 N. Orange Ave. in Winter Park, 321-422-4015; buttermilk-bakery.com
Vin
Natural wines have thrived in France before there was anything other than natural wine. And some of the families there have never veered from the practice, says Heather LaVine, owner of Golden Hour Wine in Orlando’s Baldwin Park neighborhood. Here, you can find all sorts at all price points. A few suggestions for your picnic basket.
Domaine de la Combe, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie (2022) Region: Loire Valley
“Muscadet is considered the one of the best pairings for oysters, as it is a dry, salty, mineral and textural white wine,” says LaVine. “It is also lovely with fresh and soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert. I also think it pairs quite well with fresh sourdough bread and salty butter.” ($20)
Domaine de la Goguette, Mama Rouge (2022) Region: Rhône Valley
“This is one of my favorite wines at Golden Hour right now, so I had to mention it. Luckily, it also has the perfect structure and fruit to go with your favorite paté,” she notes. “It’s an ethereal Grenache from the southern Rhône, with explosive aromatics and buoyant fruit, yet still packs a punch.” ($37)
Champagne Bourgeois-Diaz, BD’3C Brut Nature (NV) Region: Champagne
“Sadly, my budget does not permit that I drink Champagne everyday — trust me, if I could, I would. However, I would say that a Bastille Day picnic calls for such a treat. This dry-as-they-come (no dosage) Grower Champagne beauty is the perfect option, pairing well with everything from bread to cheese to meat to dessert.” ($76)
More info: 1560 Lake Baldwin Lane in Orlando, 689-444-6072; goldenhour.wine
Fromage
Tonda Corrente may celebrate cheese as gleefully as France itself, and in honor of Bastille Day, she’ll be happy to sell you an array, from the crumbly cow’s milk goodness of Cantal (a great one for cheddar lovers!) to the strong, awesome flavors of the aptly named Hercules, a sheep- and goat-milk blended offering from the Basque region.
Can’t decide? Call her at her East End Market stall, La Femme du Fromage, and order one of her Bastille Day boxes, featuring six French cheeses she’ll be happy to customize to your unique palate, from Roquefort to brie and back. She’s even got French butter in the case for your baguettes.
Bon appétit!
More info: In East End Market at 3201 Corrine Drive in Orlando; 407-571-9947; lafemmedufromage.com
Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: [email protected], For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
