We're not going to continental Europe anytime soon, but we'll be damned if we don't celebrate the holiday that brings out the Francophile in us all: Bastille Day. France's national holiday takes place on July 14, but it provides a convenient excuse for all of us to indulge in decadent cheeses and French wines for the whole wintry month of July.
Redfern local haunt Bistro St Jacques is on board this year, putting out a whole three-course, quintessentially French fancy feast ($65 per person). Fusing traditional French home cooking with a touch of Parisian flair, the checkered tablecloths and rustic charm of Bistro St Jacques' interior will have you feeling like you're a world away. You'll be able to pick your own starter, main and dessert from the à la carte menu. But the special? The restuarant's very own twist on a classic Provençal stew with heritage beef known as beef daube – the meat is sourced from a farm just north of Mudgee, braised in brandy and red wine, and served alongside a buttery, creamy pommes mousseline, or mashed potatoes. Délicieux. The special will be running until Sunday, July 19.
To round out the celebrations, guests are invited to sit down at a long lunch complete with live jazz performances between noon to 4pm on Sunday – Sydney's own Declan Kelly Trio will be playing – while you choose from the a la carte menu, along with Champagne or a cocktail on arrival, and a carafe of wine to carry you through the meal ($120 per person). Book online now.