La Fête Nationale Française 2022 - Mondiale

By Sue Geary, Vice Chargée de Presse

Photos by Vice Chargé des Médias Sociaux Cole Johnson

On the evening of Monday, July 11, local members of SociétéMondiale du Vin were reminded why they joined this organization, which is devoted to the enjoyment of fine wines and crafted beverages. This first Mondiale event of the year was an early celebration of the French national holiday commonly known outside of France as Bastille Day.  Franck’s Restaurant--tucked into the wooded area of Holladay known historically as Knudsen’s Grove--was the perfect setting for this celebration. Executive Chef Robert Perkins has distinguished Franck’s for his unique no-recipes menus of exquisitely flavorful and complex combinations. The evening’s menu was a tribute to the reputation the Chef Perkins and his talented staff have earned.

The elegant five-course dinner set the perfect stage for the stars of a Mondiale event,

exceptional wines and cocktails. As guests arrived, they enjoyed an elegant selection of hors d’oeuvres with cocktails. French 75, anyone?

The first wine of the evening, 2020 Henri Bourgeois La Côte des Monts Damnés, Sancerre AOC, was paired with Beurre Noisette White Tuna with confit summer peas, crispy Hen of the Woods mushroom, sauce meunière, candied lemon and baby summer pea tendrils. It wouldn’t be summer without a bright Provencial rosé and the 2020 Hecht & Bannier Rosé, Bandol AOC was a delightful partner with beet lavender emulsion with whipped goat cheese, BBQ beets, crystalized rosemary, and extra virgin rosemary oil. In the starring entrée role was an elegant 2011 Château Le Dome, St. Émilion Grand Cru AOC taking center stage with Filet de Boeuf Saignant with garbanzo cassoulet, asparagus, five spice hollandaise, ginger-burgundy jus, butter braised radish, and radish-frisee salad. A 2007 Château Suduiraut, Sauternes AOC graced the Blackberry Clafoutisch with vanilla bean curd, gorgonzola gelato, and chervil.

With the goal that our Mondiale events be educational as well as entertaining, we were fortunate to have the expertise of both our Vice Chargé des Médias Sociaux and Cocktail Master Cole Johnson and our most-knowledgeable Echanson Kasey Dubler.  Thank you, Cole and Kasey. Our appreciation also to Dame de la Chaîne Amy Paul and Officier Rex Falkenrath for making the arrangements with Francks and helping with the menu tasting. Finally, thank you to everyone who attended this event.  See you all in September for our Mondiale Induction Dinner!