Where to Celebrate Bastille Day In Houston

On July 14, 1789, French radicals stormed the Bastille. It was a turning point in the French Revolution. In France, the celebration of this important event is called La Fête National (The National Celebration) and was first held in 1790. Since then, it has become a major French holiday. Luckily for Houstonians, it’s not necessary to travel to France to celebrate what we call Bastille Day. From foie gras to duck confit, here are the best places to wine and dine to mark the occasion.

Events Starting Before Bastille Day (July 10 through 13)

Mastrantos, 927 Studewood: From July 10 through 14, enjoy a Bastille Day wine flight from French Country Wines for $18. The featured wines include Domaine Jean-Philippe Marchand, Crémant de Bourgogne; Domaine Gueissard, Cuvée “G”, Rosé, Côtes de Provence; and Château Eugenie, Cuvée Pierre Legrand, Cahors. Food pairings are available for a discounted price.

Backstreet Cafe, 1103 S. Shepherd: On July 11 at 7 p.m., indulge in a five-course dinner complete with wine and cocktail pairings. Guests will be greeted with Brut Rosé and French Gin Martinis while enjoying oysters, quiche and tomato tarts. Dinner highlights include mussels, scallops and duck confit. Price is $115 plus tax and gratuity. Tickets can be purchased online at BackstreetCafe.net.

Chef Jose Hernandez prepares classic French dishes at Lucienne. Photo by Phaedra Cook.

Lucienne, 1070 Dallas: Join Geoffrey Prioreau of BBR Imports on July 11 at 7 p.m. for an elegant five-course wine dinner by executive chef Jose Hernandez featuring frog legs, foie gras and lamb all paired with French wines imported by French Country Wines. The menu is available through July 13. Price is $95 plus tax and gratuity. To reserve, email reservation requests to Ludovic Poirier or call 713-242-8540.

Houston Polo Club, 8552 Memorial: The French Consulate is hosting a Bastille Day celebration on July 13 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., at the Houston Polo Club. Stroll through the beautiful grounds and learn about French history, watch a polo match or play a game of pétanque. Food trucks will be serving up French-themed entrées and music is provided by DJ Julien Nolan. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door and include entry fee and a glass of wine. BYOB (beer and wine only) is permitted. Children under 15 are free.

Le Bistro, 7070 Allensby: July 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Le Bistro located at the Culinary Institute Lenotre is featuring a three-course French dinner for $39 plus tax and gratuity. Starter choices include raclette and foie gras and entrée options include mussels and lamb. Wine is available for an additional cost. Seats are limited. RSVP online or by phone: 713-358-5079.

Bastille Day Celebrations on July 14

a’Bouzy, 2300 Westheimer: Celebrate Bastille Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with $99 Dom Pérignon 2006 Brut (while supplies last) and cocktails from Belvedere Vodka and Hennessy Cognac. Nibble on items from the new summer brunch menu such as blueberry waffles and pork hash or indulge in caviar and seafood from the raw bar. Reservations are recommended. Call 713-722-6899.

Brasserie 19, 1962 W. Gray: Dine on smoked salmon crepes or quiche from 12 to 3 p.m., while sipping on champagne. Brasserie’s Red, White and Brut Bash will feature live music and Moët & Chandon and Hennessy specials. For reservations call 713-524-1919.

The terrace at Brasserie du Parc. Photo courtesy of Brasserie du Parc

Brasserie du Parc, 1440 Lamar: Celebrate two ways at Brasserie du Parc. Start with an à la carte brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that features a crêpe station, omelettes, pain perdu and escargot. At 7 p.m. enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu for $45, with optional wine pairings. For reservations call 832-879-2802.

 

BioDynamic will perform ’70s and ’80s classics at Mongoose vs Cobra’s Bastille Day Bash. Photo by Tracie Parzen.

Mongoose vs Cobra, 1011 McGowen: Dance the evening away from 4 to 8 p.m. with local food, wine historian Jeremy Parzen and the ’70s/’80s cover band BioDynamic. There will be special beers and French-inspired cocktails. No cover charge.

Étoile Cuisine et Bar, 1101 Uptown Park: Fête de la Bastille will take place at 7 p.m. with live music all evening and a four-course prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings for $78. Feast on foie gras, roasted duck breast and soufflé. For reservations call 832-668-5808.

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