Today is Bastille Day, July 14th, French Independence Day - La fete Nationale.
The French celebrate the anniversary of Bastille Day, when, in 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille prison, setting off the French Revolution which toppled King Louis XVI and put an end to the French monarchy.
King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette took refuge in Versailles as the violent peasants pillaged and burned chateaux, and destroyed records of feudal dues—this reaction is known as the grande peur (great fear). For the peasant class, the Bastille stood as a symbol of the hypocrisy and corruption of the aristocratic government - controlled mostly by nobility and clergy. This important event marked the entry of the popular class into the French Revolution.
The French recognize Bastille Day as the end of the monarchy and beginning of the modern republic. The lasting significance of the event was in its recognition that power could be held by ordinary citizens, not in the king or in God.
Today, in Paris, the main event of the day is the traditional military parade along the Champs-Elysees. The French do celebrate in the same way as Americans, with fireworks at the end of the day.
For me, just an another excuse to talk about a food memory.
What still sticks in my mind about Paris and France, is the fresh bread & cheeses. Walking in the streets and discovering outdoor cafes, plus all these amazing Pâtisseries or Fromagerie (artisan cheese shop) Something wonderful around every corner that you turn.
A huge cup (actually more like a bowl) of coffee in the morning there, dipping that fresh bread in it, is one of the best food memories I can think of! Especially with some Strawberry Jam - I'm sorry "confiture de fraises"!
Maybe this is where my bread and cheese craving got reinforced!
The closest thing we can do here is make a French dinner or picnic and celebrate Bastille day.
Bon Appetit!
pour le moment, mes amis, au revoir
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