Vive la France! The French National Day, known as Bastille Day, is celebrated on July 14. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789 to mark the beginning of the French Revolution. You can celebrate this Bastille Day with delectable food specials and fun French-themed events across Northern Virginia, with several in Washington, DC, as well.
Bastille Brasserie & Bar
July 11, 12 & 14
Delight in a multi-day French celebration at Bastille Brasserie & Bar. A prix fixe Revolutions Week Special Menu for $45 offers three courses, including a starter, main dish, and dessert. Try French wine, special cocktails, salads, and paella, and be sure to save room for cake and sorbet. Although closed on Mondays, the restaurant is open on Bastille Day from 4 to 9 p.m. 606 N. Fayette St., Alexandria
Bistro Du Jour
July 11–14
Experience culinary classics at Bistro Du Jour with a special French-inspired lunch and dinner menu for Bastille Day weekend. At both its Washington, DC, locations, try Jambon Beurre sandwiches and refreshing summer salads for lunch, and taste Côte de Boeuf, a dry-aged bone-in ribeye, for dinner. Capitol Hill: 20 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC; The Wharf: 99 District Sq. SW, Washington, DC
L’Auberge Chez François
July 12, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
A musical extravaganza awaits during “La Fête Nationale,” a Bastille Day musical brunch at L’Auberge Chez François. The meal is served on the garden terrace with beautiful pastoral views of the six-acre property. Sip on wines and Bloody Marys while tasting a seasonal cucumber soup, seafood crepe-medley, and filet mignon benedict. A special rendition of the French National Anthem will be performed by chef Jacques and The French Connection. 332 Springvale Rd., Great Falls
La Côte D’Or Café
July 14
There’s something delicious for everyone at La Côte D’Or Café this Bastille Day, whether you choose from the three-course prix fixe menu or a la carte. Lunch selections include salads, escargots, frog legs, and pork schnitzel. Try Norwegian salmon, grilled swordfish, and mustard breaded lamb for dinner. Don’t forget to save room for profiteroles, chocolate mousse, or the apple almond tart. 6876 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Lutèce
July 14
To celebrate the French National Day, Lutèce is serving NV Rémi Georgeton “Mes 4 Terroirs” Premier Cru Champagne by the glass, plus other French wine specials and seasonal dishes. 1522 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Whino
July 14, 4 p.m.
Raise a toast to France at Whino this Bastille Day for exceptional drinks and good company. Taste reds, whites, and bubbly, and enjoy $3 off all French wines for the day. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Fredericksburg Sister City Association
July 14, 6–8 p.m.
Join the Fredericksburg Sister City Association for Fredericksburg’s annual Bastille Day Celebration. Head to Galvin’s Deli for food and wine. Come dressed in red, white, and blue, entering a raffle, and listen to live music. Galvin’s Delicatessen, 216 William St., Fredericksburg
Corsica
July 14, 6–9 p.m.
Head to Corsica’s Reston Town Center location for a night filled with French wines, small bites, and a live DJ for $65. Guests can enjoy a welcome glass of Cléricot, Corsica’s sangria, Corsican aperitif Cap Corse, and gemelli carbonara served from a wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano. 11950 Democracy Dr., Reston
Feature photo of L’Auberge Chez Francois by Rey Lopez
