ALL things French were front and centre as the local “Francophiles” group commemorated the 236th Bastille Day at Tea Gardens’ Tillermans restaurant on Friday 11 July.
Bastille Day is the national day of France, celebrated on 14 July each year, and marks the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille in 1789.
It is considered by many as the birth of the French Revolution, and, ultimately, modern France.
Tillermans proprietors Peter and Kerry Hodges hosted more than a dozen French language students, many of whom came decked out in berets of red, white or blue, with tricolours of the same tints waving proudly at the scene.
Even from outside the restaurant, the aroma of locally-cooked, French-inspired cuisine was wafting from the kitchen, while inside the festivities began with a short speech on the history of the day by group teacher Monsieur Georges Nadal.
“Bastille Day is more a commemoration than a celebration, being the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille, a political prison that had come to symbolise the much-hated monarchy, and led to the revolution,” Mr Nadal said.
“So many countries today are fighting for the ideals of democracy, fraternity and equality that the French Revolution was declared upon.”
Student Ray Keipert thanked tutors Georges, Frances, Peter and Kerry for their efforts in class this year, and speeches were followed by a rousing rendition of La Marseillaise, the French national anthem, before the culinary delights finally materialised.
Students were served a selection of rich cabernet merlot and an unwooded chardonnay, the bouquets of which defied explanation as each student spotted their own hints and scents within.
An expertly prepared entrée of pork rillettes offered a salty, savoury start, and a gentle lead-in to the culinary experience to come.
The main dish was Basque-style chicken and rice, inspired by the culturally proud region which straddles the northern Pyrenees and the border of France and Spain.
Dessert was French crepes with ice cream and sweet orange dusted in icing sugar, a refreshing capper to the whole experience.
Georges said that his language students have all made “awesome progress” in 2025.
“Everyone is trying hard and the dedication is strong, with some of the students more confidently engaging in French conversations,” Georges told NOTA.
While this event was offered specially for local French classes, Tillermans is also hosting its own Bastille Day celebrations on 19 and 20 July.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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