FÊTE DE LA BASTILLE – A TRADITION AT BISTRO PASTIS
Ever since the end of the 18th century the French have been celebrating the storming of the Bastille and ‘le quatorze juillet’ as a national holiday – a time of parades, speeches, community dinners and dances (Bal Musette). Vancouver’s very own authentic corner of France, Bistro Pastis in Kitsilano, has become celebration central for its annual Fête de la Bastille – a tradition that goes back since the restaurant first opened its doors. This year is no exception. For one day only, Wednesday July 14th, proprietor John Blakeley is offering a very special three-course menu of bistro favourites for only $45.
Each course offers diners a tempting array of choice. How do you choose between Vichyssoise aux Petit Pois (bursting with the flavour of new baby green peas) or sumptuous Terrine de Foie de Volaille (Chicken Liver Terrine) or traditional Provençal Pissaladière (caramelized onion, anchovy and black olive tart) as a first course?
The choice of mains is equally overwhelming. There is Confit de Canard à la Sarladaise (duck confit, merguez sausage, frisee salad) or Truite à la Bourguinonne (sautéed trout, glazed onions and button mushrooms with steamed potatoes in a Pinot Noir sauce) or classic Steak Frites – grilled New York Steak dressed with a creamy shallot red wine sauce. Bien sûr it comes with traditional Bistro Pastis’ famed pommes frites.
The French are famous for their mastery of sweet treats – in fact it is a national obsession. The Bastille Day Menu at Bistro Pastis will not disappoint. There are hard choices to be made. Do you end with a classic Crêpes Suzette au Grand Marnier? Or, how about Profiteroles swimming in decadent chocolate sauce with vanilla ice cream? Perhaps you would prefer the light-as-air Île Flottante. The French know the answer to such a dilemma – bring a friend or two or three …and share of course! Life’s pleasures, and eating is surely one of them, is meant to be a shared experience.
Adding to the ambience will be Josh Minsky, a local singer and guitarist who specializes in French chanson. Guests will be delighted by his renditions of La Vie En Rose, La Mer or C’est si bon … and, you just may be called upon to join in a rousing rendition of La Marseillaise. Couple this with proprietor John Blakeley’s innate Gallic charm and Bistro Pastis’ cosy room and you have the recipe for a perfect evening n’est-ce pas.
Auguste Escoffier would be very pleased … and so will you! Reservations are highly recommended and can be made either on-line at www.bistropastis.com or by calling 604-731-5020.
