Vive La France
Frenchmen and Francophiles around the world are celebrating Bastille Day, better known as Fête nationale in the mother country, on July 14. To enlighten your stay-at-home routine, pop the Champagne, play Édith Piaf tunes and break out the red, white and blue sparklers. Here are some of our favorite French finds to get you started.
Cheers to Champagne
Regional wine shops are ready with loads of Champagne choices. Wolfe’s is running a Bastille special for picks like a 2018 Aubry Fils Premier Cru Brut produced by one of Champagne’s original vineyards. Virginia Philip and The Bottle Shop also stock several labels from iconic producers to boutique labels. À votre santé.
https://wolfes-wine-shopp.myshopify.com/
https://virginiaphilipwineandspirits.com/
http://www.bottleshopvb.com/
La Sandwicherie
Operating from an open-air counter along a South Beach alley since 1988, La Sandwicherie draws all walks of life for its crusty baguette creations topped with cornichons and mustard vinaigrette. New owners are expanding the Miami Beach-born concept, with Coral Gables being the latest of multiple locations. It’s a great option for takeout and delivery orders during these times, too.
https://www.lasandwicherie.com/
Paris in Town
Paris in Town dates back even further to the 1970s. Its convenient corner location at US-1 and PGA Boulevard makes it easy to pick up a petit déjeuner of croissant and café au lait, lunchtime classics like quiche Lorraine and salad Niçoise and delectable desserts—say oui to the éclair au chocolat.
https://www.parisintown.com/
Making Madeleines
Anyone who has dined at Daniel Boulud’s restaurants knows the treat that concludes the meal—a basket of freshly baked, mini madeleines. One bite and you discover why the great Gallic writer Marcel Proust praised the lemon-laced Parisian pastry. Boulud has generously shared his recipe over the years. Here’s a copy along with a link to order the special pan.
https://www.splendidtable.org/recipes/madeleines
https://www.lecreuset.com/madeleine-pan/MB510.html
Cheese, Please
You can’t have a French fête without cheese. Vero Beach’s Cheese Cave (no website) carries hundreds of artisanal varieties from fresh mozzarella to the award-winning Rogue River Blue; please note it reopens July 16. Here are other places to purchase Camembert, Comté, brie, goat cheese and more.
https://www.blueprovence.com/
https://www.thecheesecourse.com/
https://sunsetcorners.com/
https://www.markys.com/
