{"id":2456,"date":"2018-07-11T15:05:15","date_gmt":"2018-07-11T20:05:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=2456"},"modified":"2018-07-16T09:08:04","modified_gmt":"2018-07-16T14:08:04","slug":"this-week-try-celebrating-liberty-gallic-style","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=2456","title":{"rendered":"This Week Try Celebrating Liberty Gallic Style"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"By Brad Balfour<\/em><\/p>\n

While July 4th celebrates one earth-shaking revolution, another world shattering event took place in France on July 14th 1789 \u2014 the storming of the Bastille, the notorious French prison \u2014 a symbol of the French aristocracy\u2019s dominance. That event led to the undoing of the French monarchy and the establishment of the French Republic, which was more less ratified at the F\u00eate de la F\u00e9d\u00e9ration a year later in 1790. In English-speaking countries, Bastille Day is the common name given to the French National Day, which is celebrated on July 14th each year. In France, it\u2019s formally called La f\u00eate nationale. <\/p>\n

Here in New York, it\u2019s acknowledged by several interconnected events such as French Restaurant Week and Bastille Week both created\/sponsored by MPB Agency. <\/p>\n

Since its creation in 2011, French Restaurant Week\u00ae has been supported by over 211 participating restaurants. In partnership with the ordering system, OpenTable\u00ae, this week offers customers the opportunity to consume special prix-fixe menu options during either dinner, and in some cases, lunch. Previously, wines were also highlighted within the dining spots as sponsors. <\/p>\n

This celebration is also part of Bastille Week, which not only recognizes this other major national revolution of the late 1700s but also offers an online media resource which lists events that spotlight the French Independence Day and it highlighting events during July. <\/p>\n

This year, New York\u2019s 9th edition returned July 2nd and runs through Bastille Week, dovetailing into various celebrations on July 15th, 2018. And, from July 16th to the 22nd, Chicago\u2019s French Restaurant Week takes place as well. In both cities special promo prices run from $17.89 (the bar option), $25 (the lunch option), $38 (the basic dinner option) and $178.90 (the dinner option for 2), so priced in honor of the French Revolution.<\/p>\n

Among the 22 Restaurants participating this year are such favorites as: A.O.C East, Troquet, Le Bateau Ivre, La Sirene, Bistro Vend\u00f4me, A.O.C. L\u2019aile ou la Cuisse, Brasserie 8 1\/2 , Caf\u00e9 du Soleil, Caf\u00e9 Centro, Boucherie, Match 65 Brasserie, Excuse My French, Bistrot Leo, Fig & Olive, Petite Boucherie, Boucherie Park, Perrine, Le Rivage, Pardon My French, Deux Amis, Maison Harlem, and Jubilee. For more information go to: www.FrenchRestaurantWeek.com<\/a> and\/or www.BastilleWeek.com<\/a><\/p>\n

In addition, Bastille Day is celebrated on this coming Sunday through the annual French Street Fair which is sponsored by the French Institute Alliance Fran\u00e7aise (FIAF). Taking place on July 15, 2018, from noon to 5 pm., this summer\u2019s f\u00eate offers booths with a selection of French food, wine, culture, musique, dance, and other entertainment on east 60th Street, from Fifth Avenue to Lexington. For over 20 years, Bastille Day on 60th Street has been the city\u2019s largest public celebration of France\u2019s national holiday and honors the country\u2019s historic friendship with the USA. The day recalls the Bastille\u2019s storming and the birth of the modern French nation. <\/p>\n

Highlights include a live screening of World Cup Final; a champagne and jazz party (inside the FIAF building from 1:30pm & 3:30pm); a South of France Tasting; a \u201cSneak Peek\u201d screening of \u201cLe Brio\u201d at 5:30pm; and, at 4:45pm, a prize drawing to win Trips to Paris and Martinique. For more info phone 212-355-6100 or email bastilleday@fiaf.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Famed chef Daniel Boulud\u2019s Upper West Side casual bistro, Bar Boulud (1900 Broadway at 64th St.) will celebrate the French holiday with stations presenting some favorite French food items such as Jambon & Gruyere crepes, Saucisse on Mini Baguette, Salmon Rillette, Sweet crepes with assorted fillings, Choux a la Cr\u00e8me (profiteroles with classic vanilla chantilly) as well as refreshing wines by the glass such as Ros\u00e9, Pol Roger, Beaujolais, Vin Blanc, and Hard Cider from Normandy. The outside terrace will be taken over by can-can dancers and live music; festivities take place from 12pm – 8pm. Located across from Manhattan\u2019s Lincoln Center, Bar Boulud serves seasonal French fare and has an extensive range of traditional terrines and p\u00e2t\u00e9s. Its James Beard Award-nominated wine program spotlights Burgundy and the Rh\u00f3ne Valley. With its contemporary design, The main dining room has seating at a glass encased charcuterie bar and at booths flanking the wine cave-esque space. <\/p>\n

For another dining variation try celebrating Bastille Day with the Guadeloupe Islands in mind. At L’Express (249 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10003) its July 14th fare will be based on a Guadeloupean menu being served from 11am to 11pm. In addition, m usic will be provided by Brand Ambassador DJ Willy Monfret from 7pm-9:30pm.<\/p>\n

And for a real alternative, Saturday, July 14th is the 5th Annual NYC Bodypainting Day. Though not directly related to the other events by date \u2014 unless someone is painted with the the French tri-color flag \u2014 fully nude men and women will spend four hours of live painting, accompanied by Washington Square Park pianist Colin Huggins and a unity song circle which follows at 4:15pm right after the body painting display ends. Promoting acceptance of all people, regardless of race, gender and political affiliation, songs will include John Lennon\u2019s \u201cImagine\u201d and Woody Guthrie\u2019s \u201cThis Land is Your Land.\u201d Other activities include a photo shoot at the Fountain, a march to Union Square Park, a double-decker bus tour over the Manhattan Bridge, and after party bash benefiting Human Connection Arts, producer of Bodypainting Day and other public art events. For more info go to: humanconnectionarts.org<\/a>,<\/p>\n

All of this Gallic brohaha had been kicked off by the 3rd annual France Rocks Summerfest presented by The French music Bureau Export, \u2014 which had started on June 1st 2018 \u2014 and closed on July 5th with a huge selection of bands in both Manhattan and Brooklyn. The largest French music festival in the US it showcases native French talent as well as international artists who draw inspiration from France. The lineup had included 25 artists spanning genres from indie pop, rock, world and electronic music. Info can be found #FranceRocksFest2018 where one can view the artists bios or find out about next year\u2019s fest.<\/p>\n

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