Foodievents

Where to Mangez-Vous for Bastille Day

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France is just as food-obsessed as San Francisco — probably a little less socially liberal, and just a touch more socialist — and thus it’s with great pleasure that people around the Bay ring in Bastille Day each year with liberté, equalité, and a smear or two of paté de foie gras. Below, please see our concise list of Bastille Day fêtes, both for eating and imbibing.

Bardot a Gogo / French Kiss at the DeYoung - A big Bastille Day bash is happening at the DeYoung Museum in conjunction with their “Birth of Impressionism” exhibit, including DJs from the famed Bardot a Gogo party. There’s an open bar, but there are only a handful of tickets left at $85 a pop.

Belden Lane - This alley is the unofficial ‘French Quarter’ after all, and they charge $10 admission just to come in. The restaurants mostly serve up drinks and small bites, but it’s a grand Frenchie time. [Eater]

Bistro Central Parc
- The NoPa bistro is offering a good deal with a $30 prix fixe menu, a la carte options, and acoustic music all night. Make reservations at 415.931.7272.

Bisou Bistro - The new, ofttimes sexy, French restaurant in the Castro is offering a three-courser for $45. See the PDF menu here.

Bouchon - If you’re up in Yountville, you may want to head over to this all-day fête in the courtyard between Bouchon and Bouchon bakery, where between 3 and 10 p.m. they’ll be offering up Merguez sandwiches, tarte flambé, shortrib rillettes, and sweet/savory crepes as well as an assortment of sweets, wine, cocktails, and beer. Also there’ll be live music and children’s activities, as well as cotton candy and the restaurant’s signature chocolate ‘bouchons.’ The event is free but food and drinks are for purchase with prices in the $2 to $4 range.

Boulevard - It may not be the most revolutionary idea for a Bastille Day destination, but it’s tried and true and very belle epoque.

Café Claude - The other European-feeling alley in town, Claude Lane, will also be hosting some quieter celebrations in its restaurants, with the Marcus Shelby trio performing at Café Claude as part of their ongoing jazz series, and entré specials including the classics, Boeuf Bourguignon, salt cod brandade, and lobster bisque.

Chapeau! - One of the best and most authentically French places in town for a more intimate sort of evening.


Chez Papa Bistrot
- Chef Ronaldo Reyes is offering a three-course prix fixe for $55 including Bouillabaisse, Roasted Salmon, Coq au Vin, or Filet Mignon (add seared foie gras for $6).

Chez Papa Resto - A slightly fancier party is happening at the Mint Plaza Resto, with live music, and a $60 prix fixe ($90 for wine pairings), featuring Chef David Bazirgan and entrée choices will include sautéed Alaskan halibut with summer vegetables; seared Maine diver scallops “Bouillabaisse”; Liberty Farms Duck Breast with toasted corn, fava leaves, sweet onions, Port and plums; or Grilled NY Steak with potatoes aligo.

Chez Spencer / Spencer on the Go - This very French eatery is offering their regular menu, but the Spencer on the Go truck at 7th and Folsom will be doing a special $15 menu.

Elixir - As SFoodie reports, the bar is hosting a Bastille Day party with special drinks, giveaways, and a book reading from first-time novelist Matt Stewart, whose book is titled The French Revolution.

Gott’s Roadside Tray Gourmet - Both at the Ferry Building and St. Helena locations, Gott’s will be offering a “Franco-American hamburger” with sautéed mushrooms and gruyére, and there’ll be a newly released Métisse “Le Chatelet” Grand Cru sparkler to wash it down. [Eater]

Grand Café - The very French bistro off of Union Square promises, and we quote, “A breath-taking Marie Antoinette will greet guests and serve complimentary cake, while an accordion player serenades.” They’ll also be offering a $53 prix fixe menu of French favorites, with $22 for additional wine pairings.

Lafitte - Chef Russell Jackson will be offering a special four course “menu d’échantillon” as well as absinthe cocktails. [Eater]

Left Bank - Both at the Larkspur and Menlo Park locations, the French brasserie will be doing special three-course prix fixe menus for $36.

RN74 and something called TableOneThree are hosting a Bastille Day Costume Party from 7 to midnight. There’s no cover (you have to RSVP here), $1 oysters and pastries, and those in costume get a free drink ticket, and there’s a costume contest with a prize of dinner for two at RN74.

Earlier: Where to Eat at the Bar in S.F. [Grub Street]

Where to Mangez-Vous for Bastille Day