Putting a modern spin on the classic French bistro, Chris Lucas’ Maison Bâtard celebrates Bastille Day with a series of French-inspired experiences spanning the four-level venue. To mark France’s biggest day on Monday, July 14, the crew will be setting up outside the restaurant from early morning.
Handing out 100 freshly baked mini batards, a cousin to the baguette, these individually wrapped delights are available for free from 8–9am or until sold out. Of course, we Aussies love our bread. However, according to some reports, the French consume around 320 baguettes every second or 10 billion annually. Ooh la la!
Maison Bâtard is also ringing in La Fête Nationale with a special lunch menu that delivers solid value, or as the French say, bon marché. For $39 per person, choose from a selection of mains — le cheeseburger, soupe à l’oignon, or hand-cut eye fillet tartare — and enjoy alongside a glass of matched burgundy wine. When evening comes around, things get a little more indulgent. For $99 per person, dine on a two-course dinner inspired by three beloved French regions renowned for their culinary exploits.
With each course matched to the wine, you’ll have the chance to reflect on the character and terroir of the region’s wares. The Bourgogne menu features French onion soup and a beef bourguignon pie, paired with pouilly-fuissé or bourgogne pinot noir. The Champagne selection includes pork and pistachio pâté en croûte, and rotisserie chicken with green olives matched with Moët & Chandon, Pharrell Williams Edition.
Finally, the Loire Valley menu delves into the ‘Garden of France’, serving cured salmon with gribiche, and a cheese soufflé with pear and hazelnut, paired with wines from Vouvray and Chinon. Both lunch and dinner seatings include tempting optional extras, like pommes frites, oysters, and sticky date madeleines with crème de café.
For those keen to celebrate Bastille Day early, Maison Bâtard’s Le Club is hosting a supper-and-show series on Thursday, July 10. Seated in the sultry space beneath the restaurant, expect an evening of modern jazz with Raleigh Williams and her band, La Nuit. Meanwhile, a French-inspired menu and wine list provide the ideal accompaniment to this pre-holiday celebration.
Maison Bâtard’s Bastille Day series is happening on Thursday, July 10 and Monday, July 14, at 23 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Head to the website for more information.
Images: Griffin Simm / Alex Drewniak.