Chef John Ash

First a little history – – July 14^th in France is Bastille Day, a national holiday, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille.  It was a fortress-like prison that, though it only held 7 prisoners at the time of its capture, became a symbol of the corrupt power of Louis the 16^th’s oppressive regime.  By capturing this symbol it signaled to the French citizens that the king’s power was no longer absolute.  It marked the end of the monarchy and the birth of a sovereign nation.  It was declared a French national holiday in 1880.  As in the US, where the signing of the Declaration of Independence signaled the start of the American Revolution, in France the storming of the Bastille began their Great Revolution. In both countries, the national holiday thus symbolizes the beginning of a new form of government that stressed equality for all citizens and a separation of powers. 

Over time these summertime holidays also became an excuse to celebrate with family and friends and often this was done by sharing a wonderful picnic.  In Sonoma County, in Northern California’s wine country where I live, we have an active “Francophile” community for whom Bastille Day is usually celebrated with a big potluck picnic.  I’ve included some of my favorite recipes following that I’ve brought to these picnics that have a bit of a French flare to them.  Add some nice cheeses, fresh seasonal fruits and of course a nice chilled white or dry rose wine or two (French or California) and you are all set!