Bistro Bordeaux

“Allons enfants de la Patrie, le jour de gloire est arrivƒ©!” Le Marseillaise was originally a call to arms ‚ for French revolutionaries, but it works equally well as a battle cry for Chicago foodies. Next Wednesday, July 14, is Bastille Day, the French national holiday and a day when Chicago’s bistros are in fine form. It’s the perfect day to revel in an exquisite French meal, paired with wine, friends and music. Bon appetit!

Bistro Bordeaux

Since its opening in December, Evanston’s Bistro Bordeaux has quickly established itself as a major gem on the Chicago French dining scene. Executive Chef Frank Mnuk, formerly of NoMI and Le Bouchon, as well as owner Pascal Berthomieux, will celebrate Le Jour de la Bastille with‚  a prix fixe menu of traditional French fare, live accordion music, festive decorations and a French history quiz. Diners can choose any appetizer or salad, entrée and dessert from Bistro Bordeaux’s menu for $28.95 and celebrate the festivities à la terrace or‚  in the dining room, both of which feel like small slices of Paris. Bistro Bordeaux is located at 618 Church Street in Evanston and reservations can be made by calling (847) 424-1483.

Duchamp

Duchamp is launching its own culinary revolution to honor its French roots and this historic French holiday. The restaurant’s patio will be transformed to reflect the spirit of Bastille Day, complete with French menu items and live music. Chef Michael Taus will offer signature French dishes accompanied by sweet crêpes (a special indulgence just for the holiday), French wines and St. Germain and Belvedere cocktails. Tickets for the event are $55, including tax and gratuity, and can be purchased online or at the restaurant. The dinner will take place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Duchamp, 2118 N. Damen Avenue. Call (772) 235-6435 for more information.

Kiki’s Bistro

Kiki’s patrons will literally be dancing in the streets on Bastille Day. In honor of Kiki’s 20 years in River North, the intersection of Franklin and Locust will be honorarily named “Rue de Kiki”. The naming celebration will take place on Bastille Day at 1:00 PM, followed by dancing to the music of Claudia Hommel and the Francophiles. The festivities continue with dinner at Kiki’s Bistro, where a special menu will be served at both the indoor dining room and on the patio. Kiki’s Bistro is located at 900 N. Franklin Street. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (312) 335-5454.

Bistro 110

“Qu’ils mangent de la brioche!” Bistro 110 will indeed “let them eat cake” on Bastille Day as they celebrate with food, drink and yes, cake. Wine and drink specials are still in the works, but Chef Dominique Tougne’s menu entrées will be available for $17.89 to commemorate the storming of La Bastille in 1789. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling (312) 266-3110. Bistro 110 is located at 110 E. Pearson Street.

An Eiffel Tower made of cream puffs at the Chicago French Market

Chicago French Market

Chicago’s French Market says “Vive La France!” with a day-long party featuring live music, food and contests. French cabaret singer Greta Pope will sing from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Pastoral Wine and Cheeses, Fine Vines and Louis Glunz Wines will hold a tasting from 4:00 to 6:30 PM and Canady Le Chocolatier will also hold a chocolate tasting from 4:00 to 6:30 PM. As the festivities conclude at 6:30 PM, a drawing will be held to determine the winner of a basket full of French goodies from the Market. No purchase is necessary and the winner need not be present. The Chicago French Market is located in the MetraMarket at 131 N. Clinton Street.