Let Them Eat Cake

Friday, July 11, 2008

Next Monday, July 14th, its Bastille Day – a French Holiday that celebrates the storming of the Bastille; which was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern French nation.


Bastille Day is celebrated around the U.S. with a number of festivities. In New York City, there is a celebration each year in the Upper East Site, while San Francisco has a big party in its historic French Quarter. Suprisingly to me, Milwaukee has a four-day Bastille Days street festival begining with a "Storming of the Bastille" with a 43-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower.

While Bastille Day doesn’t mean much to me (I am a mutt, but not of French decent), I feel it’s a great theme for a party!

Here are some suggestions for hosting your own Bastille Day party:


Let Them Eat (Cup)Cake(s)! Honor the former Queen of France with a cake-themed bash. While Marie Antoinette may or may not have said the famous phrase, if you seen the Kristen Dunst MA loved extravagant things and was a total fashion icon of her time. You can put a Brandi* spin on the party by serving cupcakes. For some great recipes, visits one of my favorite food porn blogs - Cupcakes Take the Cake. Don’t forget to make French Vanilla!

Red, White & Blue: You can throw a Bastille Day party for less buy purchasing some left over 4th of July decorations. France shares the same colors as the U.S.! To make your célébration more tres chic, add in things like pictures of the Eiffel Tower, topiary trees and berets. To get friends speaking the role, print and display common words with their French translation around the room.

We Poppin’ Bottles Like we Won the Championship Game: Champagne can only be called Champagne if it comes from France. Purchase some inexpensive bubbly (my fav!).

French Fry Bar: While they may not totally be French, they contain the word. Loyal readers know that I love me a themed bar at a party. Soak up the Champagne with a DIY French Fry bar. Order a huge bundle of fries from your fav bar and set up a spread of toppings like Heinz Ketchup, mustard (for Brady), cheese, japelenos, onions (yuck), bacon bits, pepperjack cheese, hot sauce, ranch dressing, etc.

Bonjour Brunch: Aside from the fries, another popular French item in America is pastries. A bunch is one of the easiest parties to host. Purchase a spread of items from a local bakery, bring out the champagne and invite friends over for breakfast. This is also a good time to get people together.

If you don’t have room for a spread, consider buying a number of store bought fries and conducting a taste test!

French Kiss: If you are considering a signature drink, look no further than the French 75. Impress guests with your French history by informing them that the drink was created by Franco-American World War I flying ace Raoul Lufbery who was part of Escadrille Américaine air fighting unit.

French 75
- 1 1/2 oz Gin
- 2 oz Lemon Juice
- Champagne
- 2 tsp Superfine Sugar
- Garnish: Cherry
Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice except champagne. Strain into a champagne flute (or collins glass). Top with champagne. Garnish with cherry.
(Source: Wikipedia, cocktailtimes.com, celebrations.com, NYTimes.com)