Venues prepare for Bastille Day blast

FRANCE’S national day of celebration will make its way across the Bellarine and Geelong as local hospitality venues and groups are adding a touch of French to their Friday.

Bastille Day is a big day for restaurants including Claribeaux on the Bellarine, located at Curlewis Golf Club.

Curlewis Golf Club general manager Jamie Brigden said the club is excited to host its second Bastille Day Dinner later today (July 14).

“We’re thrilled to be hosting another Bastille Day Dinner at Claribeaux Restaurant this week,” Mr Brigden said.

“Located at Curlewis Golf Club and with our French-influenced menu, we’ve been delighting our patrons for 16 months and will be really turning on the French charm with our special five-course Bastille Day feast paired with stunning wines.”

Dishes such as Escargot vol-au-vent, Confit duck, leek and foie gras terrine, Bouillabaisse, and Pork Cassoulet will be on offer to dazzle patrons’ tastebuds.

All dishes will be paired with a selection of French wines including Claribeaux’s Forget-Brimont Premier Cru Brut NV, Veuve Cliquot, Tattinger Cuvee Brut Prestige and Billiecart Salmon NV Brut Rosé.

“July 14 will always be a time to celebrate at Claribeaux,” Mr Brigden said.

“The Claribeaux name derives from Alfred Claribeaux Curlewis, nephew of Septimus Lord Curlewis, who the township of Curlewis is named after.”

Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille Prison on July 14, 1789, a major moment in French history which led to the beginning of the French Revolution and the end of absolute rule in France.

Geelong community group Alliance Française de Geelong will celebrate Bastille Day today as well.

Attendees at the group’s Bastille Day Dinner at Little Creatures Brewery will be met with a charcuterie grazing starter, a two course, French inspired meal, and an evening of French entertainment.