Postcards and Cocktails
Twilight Hour Tuesday. Bastille Day
Last Sunday, July 14th, was Bastille Day. In French it’s called the Fete National Francaise or the French National Celebration. The National Day commemorates the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, an event that kicked off the French Revolution.
The Bastille was built as a medieval fortress but eventually became a prison. Citizens were often detained at the Bastille under direct order of King XVI and there was no appeal. The prison became a symbol of oppression and on July 14th, 1789 an angry mob stormed the Bastille to free the prisoners held captive. The Bastille was a representation of harsh rule by the Bourbon Monarchy. Economic unrest existed and mounted throughout the country. The taking of the Bastille became the impetus for the French Revolution and ended the ancien regime.
Not long after the storming of the Bastille the Assemblee Constituante convened and on August 4th feudalism was abolished. On August 26th the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was proclaimed. The Declaration was a statement of the values of the French Revolution and had an impact on the concept of individual liberties and democracy not only in Europe but throughout the world.
In 1878, nearly 100 years after the event, there was a celebration in Paris and it sparked the idea of making it an annual event. By 1880 Bastille Day was declared a National Day and has become an important celebration for the citizens of France. The Bastille Day military parade has been held every year since 1880 and is one of the largest parades in all of Europe.
Bastille Day is not only recognized in France, but celebrations take place all over the world.
Celebrating the French holiday of independence is enjoyed by all.
Here is a small list of the annual festivities:
In Belgium, the city of Liege celebrates Bastille Day and was decorated by the Legion d”Honneur for it role in the Battle of Liege during the First World War. The French consul hosts events celebrating the relationship between France and the city.
In Hungary, Budapest features a two-day celebration along the Danube River. Street Markets feature French foods and wine.
In Canada, Toronto Bastille Day festival is organized by the French-Canadian community. It features music, performances, and a French Market.
The ever-partying city of New Orleans, Louisiana offers multiple celebrations throughout the French Quarter.
The French Embassy in Washington, DC provides food and music. Restaurants throughout the capital host parties with French wine and food.
The concept of freedom and independent rights is a great reason to celebrate!
In keeping with the spirit of
France, I recently dined at Le Coucou, a French restaurant in New York City. Suffice it to say, finely prepared French food does not disappoint. Overseen by chef Daniel Rose, not only was the meal and service top notch, but the drink was memorable, too. The Black Bass and Duck with Apricots was a poem! Here is my interpretation of the luscious cocktail served on the occasion.
LA FOLLIES-BERGERE
1 oz. Cognac
1 oz. Armagnac
½ oz. Yellow Chartreuse
¼ oz. Suze
½ oz. Lemon juice
I Egg white
Place all in cocktail shaker, dry shake until frothy, add other ingredients with ice, shake again, serve in a chilled coupe.
Ah, yes, a view of freedom a la francaise. Cheers, Wendy!
C'est magnifique!