Say what you want about their politics, but the French have given us a lot to be thankful for in the realm of food. Quiche, baguettes, escargot, Brie, pain perdu (or for the non-francophiles, French toast)...the list of delicious French dishes on and on.
This Monday, July 14, why not take a meal in honor the legacy of French fare we enjoy today on the country's national day, Bastille Day. For the French, Le quatorze juillet commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution -- for us it's a great excuse to eat, drink, and be merry.
See also: Christopher Gross of Christopher's and Crush Lounge Makes Pied De Cochon (VIDEO)
Vogue Bistro
Chef Aurore de Beauduy is just about as French as they come. She was born, raised, and trained there and now brings her French cuisine to Vogue Bistro in Surprise. In celebration of Bastille Day the chef will be preparing moules et pomme frites, or mussels with fries; duck a l'orange; crepes; and more. For reservations call 623-544-9109.
Petite Maison
Scottsdale's Petite Maison will be closed on Monday, July 14 but the restaurant is celebrating Le quatorze juillet today through Sunday, July 13. In honor of France's National Day chef James Porter is serving a four-course menu that includes black truffle and chicken liver rillettes, crispy frog legs with serrano ham, toasted almonds, roasted red peppers, and black garlic; and fromager d'affinois en croute with champagne grapes and soy caramel. The dinner costs $49. For reservations call 480-991-6887.
La Bocca Wine Bar & Urban Kitchen
La Bocca Wine Bar & Urban Kitchen in north Phoenix will celebrate the French holiday by offering a Bastille Day salad on Monday, July 14. The off-menu special will include melons drizzled with honey and mint, baby arugula and tossed with goat cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds, and bacon in a goat cheese vinaigrette.
The Wigwam
Tomorrow, Saturday, July 12 at 7 p.m., the Arizona Kitchen at The Wigwam Resort will celebrate Bastille Day with a five-course wine-paired dinner. The event will feature wines from all over France including Burgundy, Loire, Rhone, and Bordeaux, each paired with dish prepared by chef Rich Hinojosa. Expect entrees including moulard duck with goat cheese and polenta and braised beef with nicoise olive, red onion, and arugula. The dinner costs $69 a person. For reservations call 623-935-3811.
Coup de Tartes
Coup de Tartes in central Phoenix is closed on Monday, July 14 but will celebrate La Fête Nationale on Saturday, July 12. The restaurant's chef will be preparing classic French specials including duck a l'orange, escargot, and brie brûlée, as well as specials tarts for dessert. For reservations call 602-212-1082.
