The annual Bastille Day celebration, in honor of the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the French Republic, returns to the streets of Frenchtown on July 15, 2017 beginning at 3pm.
Frenchtown was named after a wealthy French-speaking immigrant who purchased the land in 1794. Henri Mallet-Prevost was a Swiss fugitive of the French Revolution who ran to New Jersey to escape the guillotine. Since Prevost and other early settlers were French speaking, other locals began referring to the area as “French’s Town.”
Art, music, mimes, puppets and more will line the streets of the scenic riverside town with a celebration of all things Francais. Shops and restaurants will be offering French-themed specials and the day will end with a radio theater performance at Frenchtown’s new arts center, Art Yard.
The French, of course, are well-known for their world-renowned culinary abilities. Here are just a few of the ways local restaurants will be joining in the celebration:
- Frenchtown United Methodist Church is kicking off the day with a Quiche Breakfast. Come to 16 Third Street between 9:00 – 1:00 for quiche, fresh fruit, coffee / tea / lemonade. $7.00 per person. Whole quiches will also be available for purchase.
- Early Bird Espresso & Mercantile will offer croissants as well as other treats including ice cream.
- The National Hotel is offering a French Bouillabaisse Fish Stew, along with a lavender infused gin and ginger Rosemarie Lemonade.
- The Platform Cookhouse at The Bridge Cafe is offering escargot in a cast-iron dish with green garlic infused brie cheese, bechamel sauce and brown butter crostini.
- The Lovin’ Oven will serve a pastry creme filled napoleon, buttery Madeleine cookies and creme puffs with lemon curd.
- Olive With A Twist will offer cheese samples from France and Fulper Farms will be on hand setting up a demonstration.
Here are other ways to join in the fun at participating businesses throughout town:
- Kids will enjoy the River Union Stage’s puppet show at The Book Garden.
- Enjoy an original drama, Napoleon’s Piano, by the River Town Radio Theater at the ArtYard at 7:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
- Plein air artists will be found around the corner and along the river capturing the beauty and unique vistas of Frenchtown.
- The Schmidtberger Fine Art Gallery, located in the GEM Building, is offering wine & cheese for visitors to their Summer Group Show – which includes own oils byJohn Schmidtberger as well as recent works by 96-year-old Dick De Groot and encaustic wax paintings by Corinne Lalin.
- Snack on wine and cheese at “Exposition Photographique” – featuring the work of 12 photographers in his 1,000 sq. ft. studio located at 34 Bridge St.
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