Eat to French independence
While America celebrate its independence last week, the French have a national day of their own known as Bastille Day. Celebrated on July 14, the holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille in Paris in 1789, which led to the overthrow of the French monarchy and unification of the French people under a new social system. Whether you're a French expatriate or just looking for yet another excuse to eat, drink and be merry, here are a few Bastille Day celebrations taking place in Atlanta.
Atlanta's Consulate General of France hosts a celebration that caters to the French region of Martinique. Cecil Bernard, a painter from that region, will have abstract works on display, and the Montreal-based band Madinia (originally from Martinique) will perform traditional Martinican music. There will also be rum cocktails and a Creole dinner.
• THE 411: 6:30 p.m. July 14. 361 17th St. N.W., Atlantic Station. 404-961-1212, www.consulfrance-atlanta.org.
This upscale downtown eatery will be decked out in the blue, white and red colors of the French flag for Bastille Day. Guests will be treated to authentic Paris street music as strolling accordionist Vincent Aleandri performs throughout the evening. And a three-course prix fixe menu includes appetizers of salad or mussels, entrees of wild bass, beef or chicken and dessert options including crème brûlée and crepes, all for $45.
• THE 411: 5:30 p.m. July 14. 30 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., downtown Atlanta. 404-266-1440, www.fabatlanta.com.
Those looking to live it up like French royalty can have their cake and eat it too at an event called Let Them Eat Cake ... and Impersonate. Patrons are encouraged to dress up like kings, queens and peasants and can even get a discount on costume rentals from Norcostco Atlanta Costume by mentioning the event. Festivities include free cake and champagne, a peasant band and a $35 prix fixe menu available all month. There will also be a commencement by King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and the winner of the costume contest will receive a $500 gift card to Concentrics Restaurants.
• THE 411: 8 p.m. July 14. 1180 Peachtree St., Midtown. 404-815-3337, www.trois3.com.
