By Michele Laudig
Independence Day last Friday just gave us a sweet three-day weekend, but zut alors, the French have to celebrate Bastille Day on a Monday this year.
But there's still plenty of reason to party. (Isn't French food and French wine worth celebrating all the time?)
Check out the menu at Christopher's (2502 E. Camelback, at Biltmore Fashion Park), where there will be a special six-course wine dinner in honor of France's holiday:
Passed hors d'oeuvres served in Crush Lounge, with Gosset Champagne Salad of duck confit, with La Redonne '06 Soup de poissin, with Rose D'Anjou '07 Cote de boeuf, with Chateau Listran Medoc '99 Selection of French cheeses, with Maximum Pinot Noir '05 Canneles de Bordeaux and warm berry tart, wine to be determined
The soiree starts at 6:30 p.m., and is $65 per person; call 602-522-2344 for reservations.
Cheuvront's (1326 N. Central) is hosting a Bastille Day dinner as well. It's by reservation only, $45 per person, or $65 with wine pairings:
Exotic mushroom bisque Chicken confit crepes with chive creme fraiche Salmon en papillote or Steak bearnaise Vanilla bean creme brulee
Along with the regular menu, Sophie's Bistro is offering a five-course tasting menu on July 11, 12, and 14, for $60 per person:
Foie gras torchon with brandy braised pistachios, chocolate croque en bouche and cherry balsamic compote Escargot en croute with tomato confit and Pernod cream sauce Frisee salad with caramelized apples, marinated fennel, candied Marcona almonds, and Sherry shallot vinaigrette Roasted rack of lamb rubbed with juniper and cardamon, with whipped chevre potatoes, baby vegetables and wild rosemary demiglace Chocolate souffle infused with fresh coriander, served with capuccino creme Anglaise
At La Vigne Bistro (4821 E. Ray Rd.), there will be an all-day Bastille Day happy hour, with half-off wines by the glass, specially priced beer and cocktails, and select appetizers for $4.
And Vincent's on Camelback is taking next Monday off, and celebrating on Saturday the 12th, with a three-course menu that features a choice of starter, entree, and dessert ($50 per person; $70 with wine).
Vive la Revolution!
