Come to Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal next week, where a 30 metre long table topped with a tonne of French cheeses overlooking the Sydney Opera House will be the centre point of Bon Fromage 2023. The most Brie-lliant of festivals returns with its celebration and promotion of many varieties of French cheese including creamy Camembert, tangy Fourme d’Ambert, nutty Comté, smelly Langres to name but a few. Take our curd for it, these are free festivi-cheese you don’t want to miss!
The Bon Fromage festival was created by CNIEL (Centre national interprofessional de l’économie laitière) France’s National Dairy Interbranch Organization)) to their great credit in 2016. It is part of its commitment, aided by the European Union, to showcase the vast variety and distinctiveness of French cheeses in Australia. After all, France’s very own Charles de Gaulle said “how can anyone govern a nation that has 258 different kinds of cheese”.
It seeks to expand the knowledge and appreciation of French cheeses among Australian consumers and to inform and guide attendees on how to pair cheese, or how to integrate cheeses into daily cooking. At Bon Fromage 2023, you’ll have the opportunity to taste, discover, and learn about French cheeses.
BON FROMAGE 2023 MASTERCLASSES
As with almost everything at this festival, the masterclasses are also free! Some are already full so we recommend you sign up to any that you’re interested in, and that aren’t full, ASAP.
Masterclasses that still have places available at time of publication are:
The only paid part of Bon Fromage is the food stalls selling cheesy creations and you’re going to want to try these! Here’s just a taste of some of the cheesy creations you will find at Bon Fromage 2023:
A_B_Cheese shop will be selling its French cheese range for you to take your new favourites home
Take it cheesy will be serving creamy cheeses on sticks with homemade bread crumbs which have been lightly fried
The French Cob Loaf puts melted French cheese in sourdough
French Cheese Australia will be serving Raclette (perfect for Bon Fromage 2023’s coinciding with the official start of Winter)
Hot Dog Savoyard – cheeses from the French Alp region of Savoy are used to create gourmet cheesy hot dogs
Croque-Monsieur – the quintessential French take on the humble ham and cheese toastie – choose from Comte, Emmental or Brie
Meraki Eats has created a savoury choux made with European cheese
Orléans will be serving Moules-Frites, French Coquille St-Jacques with Gruyère, baguette loaded with Gruyère or raclette
French Kiss crêperie will be serving a range of crêpes and galettes including a galette with raclette cheese
Saucissons Australia brings its Produit du Terroir range of curated cheeses, pâté and homemade dried sausages. They will also be selling cones filled with Saucissons and Cheese
Madame and Yves will showcase its authentic French treats with a modern edge
CHEESEMONGER AMBASSADORS
Each year, Bon Fromage selects a few cheesemongers as its Ambassadors. This year it has selected Aurore Ghigo and Victor Persinette-Gautrez.
Aurore co-founded Cheese on Wheels in 2012. At Bon Fromage 2023, she will teach you that cheese is a creation that engages all the senses, encouraging customers to taste, smell, and feel it in order to develop your own opinions and refine your taste buds.
Victor, who owns K-SEIN Fromagerie at South Melbourne Market, is a master cheese maker and has spent years perfecting his craft. He uses only the finest ingredients to create the most delicious and unique cheeses that you won’t find anywhere else.
ENTERTAINMENT AT BON FROMAGE 2023
At night, The Bon Fromage stage will switch to a French Disco. Groove to the beats of talented DJs and enjoy the musical stylings of French jazzy bands, adding to the festive and cheesy ambiance.
Is it brie you’re looking for? You’ll be feeling bleu if you miss out, so make sure you put Bon Fromage in your plans for next week! Com-té Bon Fromage 2023
KEY INFO FOR BON FROMAGE 2023
WHAT: Bon Fromage 2023
WHEN: Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023
Thursday 1st June 2:30pm – 10pm
Friday 2nd June 11am – 10:30pm
Saturday 3rd June 11am – 5pm
WHERE: Cargo Hall, Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal, THE ROCKS
HOW: Just go there! Or for Masterclasses, you will need to pre-book and can do so via this link
HOW MUCH: Entry to Bon Fromage and to its tastings is free. The Masterclasses are too but you need to reserve your spot in advance.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Tag Bon Fromage Festival via its @Europeancheeses and Facebook profiles @EuropeanCheesesAustralia
Suggested Hashtags for your Bon Fromage 2023 posts: #BonFromageFestival2023 #EuropeanCheeses #FrenchCheese #EnjoyitsfromEurope
For events with French and Francophone links happening this month, check out our What’s on in May
Love cheese? Read our other cheese-themed articles
La Buvette Drinkeryhas gift vouchers which can be used towards food and/or drinks. You can purchase them in $50 increments up to $200 via this link.
Les Deux Coqshas gift vouchers which you can purchase via this link. You can purchase them in amounts ranging from $25 to $100. You can also use them at their new Rundle Mall store.
Sofitel Adelaide offers gift vouchers from $100 to $1000 for use towards accommodation or dining in the hotel. They also offer experience and package specific vouchers including the Artiste Taste Tour for $140 through to the Magnifique Romance Package which includes an overnight stay and Taittinger champagne on arrival for $600. Or you can purchase dining vouchers in amounts from $100 to $300. Gift vouchers can be purchased here.
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR FRENCH DINING IN BRISBANE
Aquitaine Brasserie has gift cards varying in values from $50 up to $300. You can purchase gift vouchers for French dining at Aquitaine via their website.
Bisou Bisouoffers both physical and digital gift cards in any amount of your choosing, which can be ordered via their website. Physical gift cards can be collected from Ghanem Group’s office during the day on weekdays, or posted.
Boucher French Restaurant does gift vouchers for $50 and up. You can buy them any time in the restaurant during business trading hours.
Chouquette has gift vouchers available in the following amounts: $25, $50 and $100. They can be picked up at the shop, they can also mail or email them.
French and Mordoes gift vouchers for amounts starting at $20, including high tea at $45 per person.
Green Glass offers digital gift vouchers in amounts from $50 to $3000, which can be purchased on their website.
Hervéshas digital vouchers from $50 to $5000 available for purchase via this link.
Les Bistronomes offers gift vouchers, which you can buy on their website from $50 to $300, or directly at the restaurant for any amount you choose.
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR FRENCH DINING IN CROWS NEST, DARLING DOWNS, QLD
Myrtillehas e-gift cards for any monetary value the purchaser chooses that can be purchased via this link.
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR FRENCH DINING IN GEELONG
La Cachette Bistro doesn’t offer formal Gift Vouchers but are glad to take a booking for the lucky gift recipients and accept a pre-payment over the phone, once the booking has been made.
Alternatively, they accept the white Good Food Gift Card, which can be purchased online or from most Supermarkets. The The phyiscal cards can be purchased in denominations of $50, $100 increasing in $100 increments to $500, whereas the digital cards are available increments of $50 from $50 to $500.
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR FRENCH FOOD AND STAYS ON THE GOLD COAST
ROOM81 RESTAURANT: Bienvenue to Room81 – a French inspired restaurant on the Gold Coast. Embark on a gastronomic journey that takes you from Australia’s fertile hinterland and the Coral Sea to the world capital of gourmet cuisine, France. Surrounded by chic décor, surrender to the scents, flavours and textures of classic French recipes with a contemporary twist, prepared using locally sourced produce. On the al fresco terrace, sip vintages from a curated wine list or raise a toast to the good life over signature cocktails.
HOTEL Bienvenue to Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, where Parisian sophistication meets the carefree Australian coastal spirit. You are invited to Live the French way in the heart of Broadbeach, enjoy and explore all the Gold Coast has to offer from the stunning hinterland to the sandy beaches and relax in 5-star Sofitel luxury. Enjoy a truly Magnifique stay at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach.
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR FRENCH DINING IN HOBART
Jean-Pascal Patisserie offers gift vouchers all year around. They are hand-written, meaning, they can be of any value. Purchase the vouchers at La Boutique on Baker Street, New Town.
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR FRENCH DINING IN MELBOURNE
Whether it be highly coveted croissants to high tea to a full French meal, there are a number of foodie gift voucher options for Melbourne.
Bar Margaux has gift cards available for $50, $100, $150, $200 or any amount of your choosing via this link.
Bar Romanée has gift cards can be purchased in values of $100, $200, $300 and $400 via this link.
NOTE: Lune gift vouchers can be used for in-store purchases of pastries, beverages and retail merchandise. They cannot be used for online purchases. (An important one for our interstate and overseas visitors to know!)
Noirdoes gift vouchers in any value you like which can be purchased via their website.
Angel’s Houseoffers gift vouchers online on their website from 50$ to 1000$. They are valid for 3 years. Purchase yours via this link.
Bistro Guillaume, Crown Perth accepts Crown Gifts cards can be used across Crown Perth, including for world-class dining at Bistro Guillaume. Crown Gifts gift cards are available in denominations from $100 to $500 and can be purchased online or at a Crown Rewards Desk.
Le Rebelle has gift vouchers can be purchased via this link in the following amounts: $50, $75, $100, $150, $200, $250, and $340.
Maison Saint Honore has both physical and digital gift cards which can be purchased in store or emailed.
W.H.I.P. Patisseriehas gift vouchers available from $20. These can be purchased either online or at their market stalls. They can also do a group order by email by contacting them directly at [email protected] The gift vouchers can be used at their market stalls but also at their first shop which will be opening in Inglewood in February!
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR CREPES ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
Flo’s Creperie offers gift vouchers for both their Noosa and their Mooloolaba creperies. You can buy them via this link.
Plus, Beckett’s has also just introduced A Black Tie (optional) ‘French Omakase’ Dinner for $220 per person: Jeff the Chef invites you to a night that goes beyond the menu – this black-tie ‘French omakase’ dining experience means all decision-making is left to up to him. Translated, ‘omakase’ means “I’ll leave it up to you” and after experiencing his exciting dishes, you’ll always want to leave it up to Jeff. From the moment you step foot into Beckett’s and hear the pianist filling the venue with buttery melodies, you’ll know you’re in a place that can take you on a culinary journey.
You’ll be seated at the Chef’s Table, the only booth in the house situated right by the kitchen where you will be greeted and served by Jeff the Chef himself. From there, it’s a seven-course journey where you can relax, stop thinking and relish the finest products of Jeff’s explorations with ingredients, flavours, techniques and concepts. As an optional extra, speak to the resident Sommelier about the best wines to set the tone of an unforgettable night.
Bistrot 916gift vouchers are available to pick up in store only and can be purchased for any amount from $50 to $500. Vouchers may be organised in person only.
Garçonhas physical vouchers that you can purchased in person in either of their stores. Values of gifts card up to $200. They can also be purchased online.
Loulou has gift vouchers, which can be bought in any denomination of the buyers choosing, and can be purchased via this link. They are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.
Note: they can also be used at any Etymon Projects venue which currently includes The Charles Grand Brasserie (European Cuisine) and TIVA Lounge (Champagne lounge).
