In France, Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14. What better approximate time to seize as the handy pretext for a tasting of French Bieres de Garde, something that's been on the back burner for several months?
(Kevin Lowber is pictured aboard a speeding train in 2001, with a French spread of salami, cheese, bread and ale keeping him company)
See: Dreaming about Northern French ales? I am.
The only problem is that the Bastille Day fete cannot be held on the 14th (Friday), but more on that in a moment.
First, the general plan:
The event is being planned in conjunction with the Bistro New Albany, and it will take place at bNA and include a reservation-only, multi-course French-themed meal.
There will be a fixed price (yet to be determined) that includes several bottles of ale at each table, and second helpings available as priced by the bottle. Most of what I have in stock comes in 750 ml bottles.
The bistro's Chef Dave Clancy is mulling menu possibilities, and I'm looking at a stock of Northern French ales that includes St. Sylvestre Gavroche, Thiriez Blonde, Amber and Extra, Jenlain, Cuvee des Jonquilles (Biere de Garde de L’avesnois), La Choullette de Noel and Les Sans Culottes.
I'd like to do it on a Sunday, either the week before Bastille Day (July 9) or the weekend immediately following (July 16). Readers who are FOSSILS club members and plan on making the July excursion to Madison for the Thomas Family Winery visit, please let me know your feelings on the best time -- assuming, of course, that you're interested in attending the French ale dinner.
Finally, it would be nice if the cyclists among us could stage a ride the same day. Resident Rich O's historian Roz Tate suggests we call it the "Tour de Reign of Terror."
Feedback? Post comments, or direct your thoughts to the e-mail address in my profile.
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