Ceramic Masquerade Mask by Yvonne Cavanagh

Photo titled "Le Papillon" by Terry Telford

By Terry Telford

The French have a passion for food. We Americans are passionate about eating. While we love dressing down, the French love dressing up. We’re Red, White, and Blue. They’re Blue, White and Red. But each July, both countries shoot fireworks into the sky, celebrating independence and freedom.

Much like our July 4th, the French national holiday, Bastille Day, celebrated each year on July 14th, is a remembrance of a revolution that ended in the creation of a new government.

Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar, the intimate fine-dining setting known for its extensive wine list, knowledgeable staff and French-inspired cuisine, marks its fourth year of hosting an annual Bastille Day celebration blending the best of the similarities and complementary differences of France and the United States. This year the event takes place for a full week, from July 11 to 18, and features a special all-French menu, Masquerade-themed art show, costumed staff, live music and other surprises.

For this year’s fête, owners Jeramy Brown and Jennifer Sanderson have conceived a lavish menu filled with dishes such as Coq au Vin (chicken, wine, pork, potatoes, mirepoix), Cassoulet (duck confit, pheasant sausage, white beans, pork shoulder), Ratatouille (vegetarian dish of squash, eggplant, garlic, tomatoes), Bouillabaisse (fish broth with an assortment of fresh seafood), spinach and mushroom crepes, French onion soup and salade nicoise.

Along with the culinary delights which will be present all week, several activities will take place which reflect on the era of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette – a time of excess, elegance and losing one’s head.

The kick-off event from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 11, is an artist reception featuring ceramic masks by Yvonne Cavanagh, paper cut-outs by Liz Sherwyn, paintings and sculpted masks by Becky Osterdock, and photography by myself. Appetizers will be served by costumed staff and models sporting revolutionary coiffure by Jana’e Hulsey of Curl Up & Dye.

On Wednesday, July 14^th – officially Bastille Day – Marie Antoinette is rumored to make an appearance. Live accordion music will be played by Richard Noel from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and a special three-course prix fixe dinner, served by staff in full costume provided by Fantasy Frocks, will be featured.

Friday, July 16, Richard Noel returns from 6:30 to 9 p.m. along with costumed staff.

Wrapping up the week-long celebration, on Saturday, July 17, the public is invited to evoke fond memories of pre-revolutionary days by dressing up and attending the Valentien Masquerade Ball. Live music with Steve Eisen and guests from Bakersfield Jazz Workshop will entertain and everyone can eat cake as it is passed out by costumed models. Unique late night dessert offerings will be on the menu until midnight.

Sanderson says she’d like to see the event grow to proportions seen in other cities throughout the U.S. (New York, Philadelphia, Seattle and Milwaukee each have large celebrations) and would eventually like to bring in more community involvement. But for now, bringing something new and exciting to Bakersfield is the goal – along with a little “liberté, égalité, fraternité.”

Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar is located at 3310 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 160 (corner of Truxtun Avenue and Oak Street, behind Conroy’s Flowers). For more information or to make reservations call 661-864-0397.