FRANCE’S NATIONAL holiday, Bastille Day is celebrated every year on July 14, commemorating the storming of the Bastille, a medieval fortress and a symbol of absolutism in France on this day in 1789, an event which would spark the French Revolution and form France (and arguably, the rest of the world) into what it is today.
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, part of the Paris-headquartered Accor Group, celebrates its French roots with Bienvenue Au Terroir (roughly translating as Welcome to the Country), running from July 9 to 15. Each food outlet in Sofitel on that week will feature some sort of culinary appreciation for the many regions of France, each known for a different culture and taste.
In Spiral, Sofitel will serve up recipes like fish dieppoise, mussels à la Normande, chicken breast à la Normande, apple and Camembert salad, and tarte tatin from Northwest France; choucroute, salmon in Riesling sauce, asparagus and zucchini terrine and apple strudel from Northeast France; snails cassolette with Chablis wine sauce, terrine forestière and red wine poached pear from Bourgogne and Franche-Comté; bouillabaisse, daube Provençale, pissaladierie, nicoise salad, and lavender crème brûlee from the Mediterranean region; duck supreme and foie gras skewers, landaise salad, and Basque cake with custard from Southwest France.
As for Le Bar, it will present a selection of cheese, charcuterie, wines and pastries throughout that week, and wine tastings of France’s storied wines will be featured throughout the week.
On July 12, there will be a wine pairing class priced at P2,000.
On Bastille Day itself, there will be a party at the Sunset Bar (with tickets at P3,010) with a fireworks display afterwards. Dining at Spiral on that day gives one a chance to win prizes from Lipault and Guerlain. — JLG

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR