Did you know that there is a New England dialect of the French language? It originally came from French Canadians who immigrated to New England during the Grande Hémorragie. There are also a few famous local names with French heritage, including Peter Faneuil + Paul Revere, who was the son of a French refugee.
In honor of Bastille Day, we’re dishing up some local events and restaurants to help you honor our French history + party like you’re in Paris.
🍽️ Eats
Cafe Madeleine, 517 Columbus Ave.
This South End cafe has been serving artisanal French patisserie for over seven years. Don’t skip the croissants, pain au chocolat + tarts.
Rochambeau, 900 Boylston St.
Visit on Fridays and Saturdays for live music + a special “Parisian Snack Menu” featuring charcuterie, cheese, freshly shucked oysters, and French onion soup.
La Voile, 261 Newbury St. + 1627 Beacon St., Brookline
This bistro has two locations to snack on authentic French cuisine like soupe de poisson, chicken liver paté, sole meunière, and steak frites.
Deuxave, 371 Commonwealth Ave.
Save room for dessert at this restaurant — but not before you feast on modern French dishes like duck confit, tuna tartare + foie gras and sip on a glass from the wine program.
🥂Drinks
Bistro Du Midi is raising a glass this Bastille Day with the newly crafted “That’s the Spirit.” The drink features French brandy, orange liqueur, Benedictine, and Lillet. Cheers to that.
Both locations of Notch Brewing (Salem + Brighton) are tapping a new release — French Disko, or a version of a French Pilsner. If you are in the Salem area, stop by that taproom for a special French cheese board.
📆 Events
Bastille Day Soirée | Thurs., July 14 | 5 p.m.-1 a.m. | The Beehive, 541 Tremont St. | Price of purchase | Dine on French cuisine by Chef Ryan Skeen, including Côte de Bouef for Two, featuring a 45-day dry aged ribeye and moule frites au curry. The event will also have live music and a secret Parisian burlesque show after 10 p.m.
Bastille Day Celebration | Thurs., July 14 | 5-9 p.m. | La Voile Brookline | $70 |
Enjoy a jazz band with drinks and French appetizers with the French Cultural Center. This family-friendly event will also have board games, face painting, trivia, and giant games.
Prêt pour plus? Save the date for the Boston French Film Festival coming next month on Aug. 18-24.
