Several Alexandria restaurants will celebrate the spirit of the French Revolution with special Bastille Day events.
Bastille Brasserie & Bar (606 N. Fayette Street) never passes up the chance to have a big celebration for its namesake holiday.
Because Bastille Day falls on a Tuesday, the restaurant will have an extended Bastille Day celebration Saturday, July 11, Sunday, July 12 and Tuesday, July 14. Expect a special menu with seasonal French dishes, curated wines and cocktails.
Bastille Day commemorates July 14, 1789, when French revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal oppression. France celebrates with parades and fireworks, while U.S. celebrations typically feature French cuisine and cultural events.
“Bastille Day has always been close to our heart — not just because of the name, but because it reflects what we built this restaurant around: French food, wine, hospitality, and a sense of celebration,” Bastille co-owner and pastry chef Michelle Poteaux said. “With the holiday falling on a Tuesday this year, we wanted to give guests more ways to join us — over the weekend or on the day itself, à la carte or as part of our prix fixe.”
The Bastille Day menu available on three evenings will be served à la carte. Featured dishes include the Petite Salade Niçoise, Paella du Languedoc, and Gateau Nantais, and featured drinks include French white, red and rosé wines and three cocktail specials (the classic Kir Royal, the Guillotin and Pomme Royale).
Del Ray Cafe (205 E. Howell Avenue) will also celebrate the French Revolution with a Bastille Day evening featuring wine importer Olivier Lotterie and wines of the Loire Valley. Lotterie will present five wines with the restaurant’s four-course dinner. Wines featured at the dinner will be available to buy at special pricing.
Another Bastille Day event will happen at Del Ray’s Gustave Boulangerie (2213 Mount Vernon Avenue). The monthly Gustave Art & Craft Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11 will commemorate Bastille Day and America’s 250th birthday and include a tray race for kids.
Other French restaurants in Alexandria to check out on Bastille Day include Le Refuge, Josephine, Fontaine, Café du Soleil and Bastille’s new Maison Breizh.
Image via Bastille/Facebook
