Can't get enough of celebrating independence and freedom? Neither can I! The catalyst and inspiration to America's own revolution is this Saturday July 14; Bastille Day, la Fête Nationale, or most commonly called le quatorze juillet.  Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille and most importantly the unity of the French people.  Much like America's day of independence, Bastille Day is celebrated by eating outdoors, watching parades, marveling at fireworks, and spending time with loved ones. And you can even recycle your outfit, (same colors,) but far beyond the clothing for me is the food.  On this day of picnicking and gatherings, the French eat simple and non-fussy staples. Think bread, cheese, quiche, meats and seasonal fruits. (daily dream-meal) 

Seriously, I think we all should celebrate le quatorze juillet this year, if not for the glory of freedom at least for the splendor of good food. See the picturesque cues below to give you some inspiration; the prep time, is effectively as long as it takes you to shop the farm stands!

The essence of French culture is, in my opinion,  a conviction to live well with what is around you.  The French will say "bon appetit" more quickly than they will say "bon jour," and that should identify where they know good-living to begin. The French, have a certain, je ne sais quoi (ineffable quality) about them; and this has, (I hope) intimately shaped my business, my palate, and my greater outlook. You may have noticed the caption of this blog is "VOIR LA VIE EN ROSE," literally "seeing life in pink" and figuratively seeing life with rose-tinted glasses, sometimes naively, some will argue.  I prefer to think of it as projecting happiness.  Not only is this one of my personal maxims, it's what I hope is experienced by each and every customer that walks through Cherbourg's door. Bastille Day is a perfect time to revitalize and embrace this mode. Take your time today, be somewhere beautiful or make a beautiful spot for yourself,  eat and drink something truly mood-elevating, and voir la vie en rose. 

Be Sweet &

Bon Appetit.

Geri