Happy Bastille Day!

Today is Bastille Day (aka La Fete National). It celebrates the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14th, 1789, one of the major events of the French Revolution. This is, of course, THE major holiday in France, and is celebrated all over the country, but especially in Paris, where fireworks are set off at the Eifel Tower and watched by thousands gathered on the Champ de Mars, among many other events throughout the city. Unfortunately, my sister Susan and I can't make it this year, but for those of you who can, be sure to bring a blanket and picnic basket and arrive at the Champ de Mars as early as you can. The fireworks begin at 11:00 P.M. I googled Bastille Day celebrations in Stuart, Florida, and found that there are indeed major Bastille Day events, but in Miami. They take place around the pool at the National Hotel in Miami Beach, in the evening at Bouchon de Grove, a Lyon-style bistro in Coconut Grove, and at the restaurant Pastis, in Miami's Wynwood district. But surprisingly, nothing here in Stuart. Miami is 1 1/2 hours away, and the events take place in the evening and sound expensive, so we will take a pass on those. However, in Boca Raton, restaurant Chez Marie French Bistro will be hosting a "guaranteed tricolor atmosphere" with fine French dining and Thierry Khalfa singing the great classics of French song. That sounds doable, but also quite expensive, and so it will have to be a celebration at home with a traditional French Publix roast chicken. Vive la France!