Le quatorze juillet, or Bastille Day is celebrated in many ways in Sydney. Some visit the monument of La Pérouse, in the south-eastern suburb named after the French navigator Jean-François de Galaup, comte de La Pérouse, who landed in Botany bay in January 1788, just a few days after Captain Cook. Others go to see La Pérouse museum nearby, or opt for culinary celebrations.
La Perouse monument
In the name of France
La Perouse Museum
Indigenous Flag, French Flag and Australian Flag
And if you’re like me, you’d want to take part in all of the above.
Croquembouche Patisserie
You’d expect to find Croquembouche Pâtisserie somewhere in Paddington, Balmain or Mosman, not in the proximity of Port Botany, where trucks and heavy vehicles burn rubber along busy Botany Road. But once inside the shop, the industrial setting is quickly forgotten among rows of delicious cakes, tempting tarts, buttery pastries and savoury treats.
In celebration of Bastille Day, Croquembouche served a slice of France with accordion music playing old favourites like La Vie en Rose, Le Cancan and the ever nostalgic tune of Sous le Ciel de Paris. Sweet crêpes with sugar, lemon, honey, walnuts, strawberry and cream and the adopted French daughter, Nutella were made to order. A cassoulet lunch with coffee and cake was also on offer for those who like to bask in the atmosphere on the premises.
Crepe making
Ahh… les crepes!
Accordionist in the patisserie
Borsini accordion
Temptations
Croquembouche Patisserie
Opting for the prêt-a-manger alternative, or the cassoulet takeaway, I took my slice of Paris home to be enjoyed later in the evening with a bottle of St Emilion Grand Cru and the sounds of Yves Montand and Thomas Fersen.
But not before paying homage to those who have served pour la France, carried the flag in official ceremonies, and reminded us, “It’s Bleu, Blanc, Rouge, Messieurs!”
Croquembouche Pâtisserie
1635 Botany Road
Banksmeadow, NSW
croquembouche.com.au
[…] should mention that Croquembouche Patisserie feels like part of our family. Many birthday cakes such as the Opera, the Croquembouche and […]
[…] host of exhibitors was on hand to show their food stuffs, wines and cooking implements such as Croquembouche Patisserie, bread from Sonoma Bakery and Adriano Zumbo‘s new book. Brasserie Bread held artisan baking […]
[…] who have served Pour la France, carried the flag in official ceremonies, and reminded us, “It’s Bleu, Blanc, Rouge, […]