With COVID-19 continuing to loom and not to mention the EU travel ban, Angelenos may have to stay local this year to celebrate Bastille Day! Of course, Paris is the epicenter of celebrations all over the world with fireworks, concerts, parties, and more. This year will be a little different to say the least. Don’t fret! Round up a few aperitifs, hors-d'œuvres, and a solid playlist and you’ll jet off to the Seine in no time – it just may be in your vivid imagination.

We got the chance to chat with Charles Duque from Cheeses of Europe on a few of the absolute “musts” for creating an impressive board that is both aesthetically pleasing and delicious!

“You want to organize your board so that cheeses are arranged from mildest to strongest. For example, starting with a creamy soft-ripened bloomy-rind like Camembert, Brie or Triple Crème, then a harder cheese like Comté or Mimolette, a washed-rind like Langres or Epoisses and finish off the board with a blue such as Bleu d’Auvergne or Fourme d’Ambert, states Duque. “Add seasonal fresh or dried fruits, nuts, charcuterie, crackers, jams and chutneys to allow for experimenting.”

Top 5 musts for the perfect cheese board

Use an odd number of cheeses 3, 5, 7
Mix colors and textures – creamy, soft-ripened, harder cheeses, washed-rinds, bleus,
A beautiful board makes for a beautiful cheese board
Accompaniments – fresh & dried fruits, nuts, crackers, honey, jams, olives and charcuterie are some examples.
Arranging the cheeses from mild to wild! That way your palate will be able to savor each cheese as they increase in intensity.

While we aren’t able to physically jet off to France, we can do our best to recreate the iconic celebration in the safety of your own home. To truly take your board to the next level consider purchasing from brands such as Chevoo, a brand that delivers on top-tier variations of goat cheese or Miyokos a brand that excels at serving delicious vegan cheeses. Otherwise, if you’re able to, definitely try checking out the below restaurants and beverages for the big day!

Haute Mess:

Bring a taste of Europe to your kitchen! Haute Mess is one of the cutest European markets located near Beverly and Fairfax. They have everything you need to pickup to make delicious gourmet quarantine meals at home. From wine, to baguettes, to your favorite cheeses and meats to help create the best charcuterie boards as well as delicious gourmet desserts for something sweet. Haute Mess can help you gather everything you need in one stop to celebrate Bastille Day the right way.

Zinqué:

Zinqué (pronounced as “zin-kae”), a French-inspired cafe, bistro and wine bar that was founded by Emmanuel Dossetti, a native of Marseille, France. The Paris meets Southern California cafe, bistro and wine bar has a variety of French-focused, well-sourced charcuterie and cheese boards on their dinner menu including:

Beef carpaccio, arugula and parmigiano reggiano board ($17)
A cheese plate with R. Meunier French Brie, 8-month aged comté cheese and Époisses imported from France ($19)
Charcuterie plate with Rosette de Lyon, Coppa and Pâté de Campagne ($18)
Burrata and San Daniele Prosciutto board with toasted baguette ($19)

With various locations in Southern California, and even Scottsdale Arizona, be sure to check it out as they’re now open for dine in and take out.

CHEVOO:

CHEVOO is a high-end marinated goat cheese brand launched out of Northern CA wine country by Australian foodies Gerard and Susan Tuck. Their signature marinated goat cheeses combine chèvre (CH) with new and unique combinations of spices, herbs, chilis and pollens is then paired with an Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) that has been slowly infused with crushed botanicals. Boasting a complex yet harmonious combination of flavors, each of the six marinated cheese profiles – Smoked Salt & Rosemary, Aleppo-Urfa Chili & Lemon, Tupelo Honey & Lime, Dill Pollen & Garlic, Fennel Pollen & Orange and Italian Black Truffle – are seamlessly and thoughtfully balanced. Click HERE for recipes and inspiration!

Wine Insiders:

It comes as no surprise that stocking up on one of the wine sets from Wine Insiders would be just about perfect for any occasion. Try to “Entertaining Essentials Case”, which features wines from various regions, including France. This case specifically includes a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, 2017 Les Fiefs De Cyrano Blanc from Bergerac (east of Bordeaux).

Lillet Spritz:

The perfect spritz is a spritz where Lillet is used! Photo courtesy of Lillet Instagram. — The perfect spritz is a spritz where Lillet is used! Photo courtesy of **Lillet Instagram**.

Lillet is a French aperitif wine, making it the perfect wine for any Bastille Day celebrations. Made in the Bordeaux regions of France and available in Rose, Blanc and Rouge varieties, Lillet is light and refreshing and can be enjoyed on its own on the rocks and also mixes well with a host of spirits.

Ingredients:

3 parts Lillet Blanc or Lillet Rosé

3 parts tonic water

Ice cubes

1 slice of cucumber

Garnish: Strawberry, fresh mint.

French 75 with Moët Imperial and Hennessy X.O

Bring on a French staple by recreating the French 75 in your own home! Moët Imperial and Hennessy X.O have got you covered! Build in a flute, top with Moet Imperial and garnish with a Lemon twist.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Hennessy V.S or V.S.O.P Privilège

.5 oz Simple syrup

.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

Top with sparkling wine or champagne

With restaurants adjusting everyday to keep everyone safe and follow state regulations, it’s recommended to call the restaurant location or visit the website for more info on dine-in, takeout and delivery options.