Today is le quatorze Juillet, more familiarly known as Bastille Day, commemorating the storming of the Paris monument of the same name, a key turning point of the French Revolution. On this day, celebrations are held throughout the country, including a military parade on the famed Champs-Élysées.
Stateside, French restaurants are celebrating the holiday by offering up French fare in all its glory, copious bottles of Champagne and a leisurely (or competitive) round of pétanque. (And whether you’re here or across the pond, this year’s Bastille Day is further fueled by the World Cup final.)
For those looking to get in on the action, head to one of these restaurants celebrating the day. (And, allez les bleus!)
DBGB Kitchen and Bar
Washington, D.C.Munch on Tunisienne buns, beignets and crêpes while watching live performances by Can-Can dancers and accordion players at DBGB’s luxe Parisian-themed patio. Also not to be missed: the over-sized chess board, ripe for competition. Guests also have the chance to win a raffle for a $100 DBGB gift card.
Margeaux Brasserie
ChicagoOn Sunday, head to the 6,000-square-foot courtyard of the Waldorf-Astoria to partake in Margeaux Brasserie’s epic celebration featuring a live band, mime, Can-Can dancers, and a rosé and beer garden. Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for kids, who can be entertained by the on-site balloon artist and face painter. As for food, look for passed canapés like lamb lollipops and gougères, as well as a Raclette station, crêpes and duck boudin.
Bistronomic
Chicago“Tucked away from the buzz of the Magnificent Mile, Bistronomic is a great place to cool your tired heels,” state our inspectors of this Gold Coast mainstay. To commemorate the rise of grain prices and shortage of flour prior to the French Revolution, the team at Bistronomic is offering up a three-course, gluten-free menu for the tune of $39. Start off with a duo of housemade country pâté and chicken liver mousse before heading on to entrées like Maple Leaf duck breast with vanilla cauliflower purée or Faroe Island salmon with summer saffron bouillabaisse.
Le Diplomate
Washington, D.C.“From the shiny and large brass windows to the zinc bar and the mosaic-tiled floor, it is all très Français,” say Michelin inspectors of Stephen Starr’s haute bistro in Logan Circle. Kicking off at 11:30 this morning, the restaurant is hosting “La Grand Fête,” featuring live accordions, an ice cream cart, face painting and balloon artist. Can’t get enough? Head back to Le Diplomate on Sunday and watch the World Cup finals via two large screen television screens.
Petit Trois
Los AngelesChef/owner Ludo Lefebvre and team are celebrating Bastille Day at both locations of his Petit Trois, complete with special Grey Goose vodka cocktails. Lefebvre’s kids will also be on hand at the Sherman Oaks location, hosting a lemonade stand from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m PST, with proceeds benefiting Alex’s Lemonade.
Vaucluse
New York CityThe team at Vaucluse is partnering with Grand Marnier; guests will receive one or more Grand Marnier cocktails, after-dinner pours and chocolate bon bons filled with the liqueur.
Other specials and celebrations include:
Le Coq Rico, NYC
It’s BOGO “Frenchie’s” at the bar—drinks include the Frenchie Bellini with peach and lavender, the Exotic Boulevard with Saint Germain and lychee and the Sexy Bardot with rosé, rose water and Turkish delight.Petit Crenn, San Francisco
Enjoy half a dozen oysters and a glass of Champagne for $25.L’Antagoniste, NYC
Complementary glasses of Moulin de Gassac Rosé or bottles of Kronenbourg.The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF), NYC
The FIAF will host their annual street party on 60th Street between Fifth and Lexington Avenues, featuring Can-Can shows, mimes, crêpes, croissants, wine, cheese and more.
