On Monday, July 14, France celebrates Bastille Day, or La Fête Nationale, to commemorate the storming of the Bastille (a prison in Paris) on July 14, 1789 by the local citizenry. It was the first major event of the French revolution, roughly akin to our Fourth of July. Although Houston does not celebrate like Paris does, with fireworks or a military parade on the Champs-Elysées, there are several events around town for hungry French history buffs.
Kris Bistro & Wine Lounge, 7070 Allensby, krisbistro.com
The gourmet bistro of Culinary Institute LeNôtre is hosting a Bastille Day brunch 11:30 am to 3 pm on Saturday, July 12. There will be live music, a children’s cookie cutter station and wine ($4) and beer ($2) for sale. Adult admission is $45, and admission for children (ages 12 and younger) is $15.
French Country Wines, 2433 Bartlett, frenchcountrywines.com
On Saturday, July 12, a free wine tasting with cake and cheese from Houston Dairy Maids will be held at French Country Wines (photo below) to commemorate its namesake country’s holiday. The tasting begins at noon and continues until 6 pm.
Bistro Provence, 13616 Memorial, bistroprovence.us
The West-side bistro (photo below) is offering a three-course menu with a red, white and blue theme that will be offered throughout the evening on Monday, July 14, in addition to the standard menu. For dessert, there is a bleu, blanc, rouge tarte. The restaurant is also pairing the Bastille Day Dinner with three optional wines from French Country Wines.
Au Petit Paris, 2048 Colquitt, aupetitparisrestaurant.com
On Monday, July 14, a complimentary house cocktail will be offered when you dine at Au Petit Paris for dinner anytime between 5 and 9 pm.
Etoile Cuisine et Bar, 1101 Uptown Park, etoilecuisine.com
Chef Philippe Verpiand of Etoile Cuisine and guest chef Philippe Schmit are hosting a Bastille Day dinner at Etoile Cuisine on Monday, July 14. Both Philippes are teaming up to prepare a four-course meal: tarte de chevre frais (goat cheese tart), fletan aux artichauts (Alaskan halibut with artichokes and asparagus), magret de canard aux cerises (roasted duck breast with cherries) and for dessert la fraise du 14th Juillet (strawberry mousse). Cost is $78 per person.
La Madeleine, multiple locations, lamadeleine.com
All day Monday, July 14, La Madeleine is handing out free mini liberty tarts for each guest, no purchase necessary.