Details
Wednesday 20 November
At 6.15 pm
In French (B2 recommended)
Venue
257 Clarence St, CBD, Sydney
Ticketing
$15 non members
$10 for members
A glass of wine included
Calling all food lovers! Join us on 20 November from 6:30pm to 8pm for a mouth-watering edition of Philo Bistro, presented
in partnership with the Institute for the Study of French-Australian Relations (ISFAR).
This special evening will feature Barbara Santich, celebrated food writer, culinary historian, and Professor Emeritus at the University of
Adelaide. Known for her fascinating insights into the culinary traditions of Australia and France, Barbara will take us on a journey through
history, culture, and the simple joys of the table.
Hosted by our long-time Philo Bistro emcee, Olivier Vojetta, this event offers a rare chance to connect with Barbara as she shares
highlights from her career as a star food columnist, delves into the flavours of 18th-century Provençal cuisine, and uncovers the stories
behind Sydney’s first French restaurants. You’ll also discover Barbara’s work with ISFAR’s France Australia Wine project, which explores the
lasting influence of French expertise on Australia’s wine industry and the strong ties between these two nations.
Prepare for an evening filled with lively conversation and culinary insights, all served up in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Don’t miss this
27th edition of Philo Bistro—mark your calendar and secure your ticket today for a night to savour!
Discover our series of philosophy meet-ups - à la française!
During these themed sessions moderated by published author, Olivier Vojetta, explore ideas of social and cultural importance,
unpack contemporary issues and re-examine how you understand the world. Each meet-up is an opportunity to engage in friendly debate
and discussion over a glass of wine, whilst practising your French speaking, listening and comprehension skills.
We recommend French level B2+ to participate. No additional preparation is necessary.
Olivier Vojetta was born in Nancy, France and lived in London for more than
10 years before moving Down Under with his Australian wife. He is a fiction writer who has published several novels in French.
Please note that a separate booking is required to attend each session.
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Wednesday 11 December 2024, 6:30pm
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Previously...
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Wednesday 09 October 2024, 6:30pm
Simon Fieschi: Life after Charlie Hebdo
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Wednesday 11 September 2024, 6:30pm
Marcel Pagnol par Nicolas Pagnol
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Wednesday 28 August 2024, 6:30pm
4 Women Shaking Up The Australian Art Scene
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Wednesday 12 June 2024, 6:00pm
On the red carpet with rising star Nathalie Morris
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Thursday 9 May 2024, 6:30pm, A Tale of Two Authors: An Evening with Catherine Rey and Olivier Vojetta
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE Join us to celebrate the release of Olivier Vojetta’s latest book, La Folie des Frères (The Madness of Brothers), a gripping psychological thriller which originated in the aftermaths of the 13-November terrorist attacks in Paris and resonates even more in today’s world. La Folie des Frères is another tantalising thriller delivering all the psychological zigzags, superb action and authentic stories of schizophrenia and burnout that made Aimer encore a critically acclaimed crime fiction. What’s more? It’s based on a true story! |
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Wednesday 10 April 2024, 6:30pm, The Marvelous Miss Augustine Soubeiran
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE As a co-founder of Kambala, one of Sydney's premier schools, Augustine Soubeiran stands as an influential French educator whose journey through academia and society drew inspiration from literary giants like Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters. As a two-time President of the Alliance Française de Sydney, she played a pivotal role in the French-Australian Assistance League during WW1, and is commemorated for her courage, vision, and altruism in raising funds to support soldiers, their widows, and orphaned families. |
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Thursday 15 February 2024, 6:30pm, In conversation with Julia Zemiro
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Recently honoured with the prestigious Woman of the Year Award at the 2023 French Australian Excellence Gala diner, Julia embodies talent as a French-born Australian television presenter, radio host, actress, singer, writer, and comedian. Recognised widely as the infamous host of the music quiz and live performance show, RocKwiz, as well as the inspiring travel show Great Australian Walks, she brings an unparalleled blend of wit and entertainment. |
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Wednesday 13 December 2023, 6:30pm,
Words and Wonders Join us for the grand finale of this year's Philo Bistro series, featuring a captivating exploration into the art of writing with two of the most respected French writers, Nicolas Fargues and Elisa Shua Dusapin. Our dynamic duo du soir will connect with us via zoom, offering an in-depth exploration of their latest masterpieces: La Péremption (by Nicolas) and Le vieil incendie (by Elisa). This unique encounter promises a treasure trove of stories and profound insights into the craft of writing. The session will be held in person at the Alliance Française and artfully facilitated by our long standing host and writer, Olivier Vojetta |
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Wednesday 8 November 2023, 6:30pm,
The Paris Cooking School
The Paris Cooking School Join us for an enlightening discussion with author Sophie Beaumont just days after the official release of her
latest novel, “The Paris Cooking School”, and discover the art of embracing a French lifestyle, no matter where you live. |
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Wednesday 11 October 2023, 6:30pm,
The Journey of Roses Every rose tells a story... We are excited to host the award-winning French author Oscar Coop-Phane via Zoom for a special evening of discussion about the fascinating journey of roses. In his latest book, "Rose Nuit," we embark on a journey through Ethiopian greenhouses, the sprawling flower market of Amsterdam, and the winding alleyways of Paris to unravel the complexities of the international rose trade. During this engaging Philo Bistro event hosted by author Olivier Vojetta, we will delve deep into the creative and investigative mindset of Oscar Coop-Phane. He will share his personal journey as an accomplished writer and provide unique insights into the state of our world. |
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Wednesday 13 September 2023, 6:30pm, WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Love Letters from Paris Spring is known as the season of lovers, so it's only fitting that we're welcoming world-renowned author Camille Laurens for an extraordinary romance-themed Philo Bistro in September. A major voice on the contemporary literary scene, Camille Laurens will speak with us via Zoom to delve into big questions, such as the influence of our loved ones on our identity and how love has changed in a digital age. She's authored numerous books throughout her illustrious career, including Dans ces bras-là (In Those Arms), a number one bestseller in France and her first book to be translated into English. |
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Wednesday 16 August 2023, 6:30pm, One night with a spy Come and meet former fighter pilot and spy Jack Beaumont for an exceptional tell-all night about life as an elite undercover agent working for the renowned French intelligence unit DGSE. Jack Beaumont, the author of the bestselling novel "The Frenchman," recently released in France as "L'Homme sans nom," will grace us with his presence in what promises to be a rare and memorable encounter with a former spy. We will delve into Jack’s extraordinary experiences, from his childhood as an unconditional fan of the movie "Top Gun" to the present day, where the past sometimes erupts in his daily life, bringing forth long-forgotten nightmares and more. |
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Wednesday 5 July 2023, 6:30pm, Behind the scenes of the film industry
Delve into the captivating realm of cinema with an exceptional soirée of French debate and discussions with actress Paula Garcia
(Bump, “Little White Lies”/Les Petits Mouchoirs) and actor and stuntman, Bruno Bonelli. The pair will join us in person in
Sydney to give us a behind-the-scenes look at the reality of life in the film industry at our next Philo Bistro event! |
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Wednesday 7 June 2023, 6:30pm,
WATCH THE VIDEO
HERE So, you want to be a writer? An exceptional soirée of French debate and discussions with award-winning novelist, editor and literary critic Marc Villemain. Delve into what life is like as a writer, the ups and downs of creativity and the long, uncertain journey to being published. What are some of the key challenges to become a writer? What does it take to write a story that finds its public in today’s world? What are some of the risks and opportunities arising from Artificial Intelligence technologies such as ChatGPT in the book industry? Explore these questions, using Villemain’s latest novel “Il faut croire au printemps” (“We must believe in spring”) as compelling case study. |
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Wednesday 10 May 2023, 6:30pm,
WATCH THE VIDEO
HERE Culture, Work and “Class Defectors”
An exceptional soirée of French debate and discussions with member of French Parliament Stéphane Vojetta. |
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Tuesday 21 March 2023, 6:30pm,
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The Alliance Française de Sydney invited the exceptional author, Philippe Besson on the day of the Australian release of the film Lie with me by Olivier Peyon. Based on his autobiographical novel, Arrête avec tes mensonges, the film is screened at the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival, the largest festival of French cinema outside France. This meeting, hosted by Olivier Vojetta, focussed on the genesis of the film, the author's experience, and the role of cinema in extending a literary work. |
