Officially Bastille Day or French Independence Day is not until next Tuesday, the 14th, but that has not stopped restaurants and wineries from creating their own calendar of celebrations.

If you’ve wanted to experience French cooking in the Piedmont and haven’t tried Restaurant Pomme in Gordonsville yet, then this is the perfect excuse for a delicious outing. As part of a national program in partnership with the French Government Tourist Office, French chefs throughout the country are participating in a two-week celebration, “Two Countries, Two Holidays, Two Weeks of French Culinary Delights.” The program began July 4th and continues until the 18th.

Chef Gerard Gasparini has unique $30 three-course menus for each week. Here’s a little taste for this week: An asparagus, goat cheese and onion tart, with a choice of either salmon with tomato Bearnaise or beef medallions with a blue cheese crust, and chocolate mousse or cheesecake for dessert. He, of course, has several Cotes du Rhone selections for pairing by either the glass or bottle.

The celebrations continue as Kluge Estate Winery has partnered with Alliance Francaise de Charlottesville to host a Bastille Day Celebration on July 18th from Noon-5 PM at the Kluge Pavillion. Charlottesville’s L’etoile Restaurant is providing food and refreshments for purchase and there’ll be Kluge wines for tastings and purchase. Half of all proceeds will be donated to the St. John Baptist of the Woods charity, the Foundation started by Mrs. Kluge. RSVP by July 12 at 434-971-1616.

Salud!