The 9th Annual Bastille Day Fête du Marché was held at Rockridge Market Hall on Saturday, July 11, from noon to 3pm., bringing the spirit of France to Oakland with a lively market celebration.
The free event took place inside and around the shops on College and Shafter Avenues, offering ample sampling along with additional food and beverages available for purchase.
Guests enjoyed delicious French food and wine, live accordion music by Lorenzo Lucchesi, and a festive atmosphere inspired by the flavors of Paris.
(Left) Charcuterie Buyer Deb Santamaria offers samples of the famed Jambon de Bayonne at the annual Market Hall Bastille Day Celebration; (right) Assistant Grocery Buyer Caitlin Wikander offers tastes of Mariage Freres Caffeine-Free Rooibos Tea while Luci Hopkins-Nickel offers Maison Meneau Organic Clementine Juice from Corsica.
Featured tastings included Billingsgate’s Broiled Coquille St. Jacques, Highwire Coffee Roasters’ French Roast Café au Lait, Marin Sun Farms merguez sausage, and a selection of French wines from Paul Marcus Wines.
Market Hall Charcuterie and Cheese featured Jambon de Bayonne, French feta, Roquefort, Corsu Vecchio, French cheese boxes, and jambon-beurre baguettes, while the bakery offered favorites including pissaladière, gâteau Basque, crème caramel, canelés, financiers, éclairs, bostock, tarte au citron, and buttery French pastries.
Additional offerings included Mariage Frères iced tea and French juices, ACRE Croque Madame sandwiches, and red, white, and blue bouquets from Wildflower & Fern.
Market Hall Produce sampled Bakerly chocolate-filled crêpes and pancakes, and shoppers explored neighboring Rockridge businesses featuring French soaps and other imported French goods, making the annual celebration a festive destination for the entire family.
