The Basque Cultural Center was at its best Saturday evening the 9th of July for the “Bal Populaire” célébration of ” Bastille Day". About 180 people, mostly French, were in attendance for the dinner and dance to the music of Ron Borelli.

The President of the “Comité Officiel” reminded everyone of the spirit of the 1789 revolution: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité “. The Consul General’s address followed, then a presentation from the representative of the Mayor of San Francisco, after which dinner was served. The menu was as follows:

-Potage a la Parisienne (leek and potato soup)

-Coquilles St. Jacques a la Basquaise (scallops - this is absolutely delicious; if you go for dinner, it is a must)

-Filet mignon ou poulet rôti (most chose the filet, others the chicken and we had 3 vegetarians). -The meat was cook to order, the assortment of fresh vegetables was excellent and so were the “frites"!

-Salade et fromages.

-Baba au Rhum de la Martinique.For wines we enjoyed the following:

-Macon Lugny les Genevrieres” 2009 which comes from a special designated vineyard. The very high quality ressembles more a Chassagne Montrachet than the average white burgundy. It went very well with the scallops.

-Pinot Noir “Louis Latour” 2008. This select burgundy went very well with the beef. Not too heavy but enough tannin to please the palate.

Then we had café arrosé, with either Cognac or Anisette.During the dinner, the accordion player went around the tables, serenading attendees. The opening of the ball started with a traditional waltz, followed by the tango, Paso dobles, rock and roll and more. A large group of young people between 30 and 40 closed the place.

It was a beautiful evening with love and harmony.

Happy Bastille Day to all!!!Basque Cultural Center

599 Railroad Avenue

South San Francisco, CA 94080

(650) 583-8091

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