Next Tuesday, July 14th is Bastille Day, but you don’t have to be under the Eiffel Tower to celebrate. Throughout Chicago, there are plenty of restaurants that offer deals or just a cozy French-like atmosphere to bask in. Here are several options you can toast the blue, white, and red. Bon Appetit!
100 W. Monroe
Located in the loop, this “flying pig” has been a hot spot since opening its doors. Sit outside and enjoy chef Roland and Matt’s creative Bastille Day specials like the “French Rotisserie Chicken with shaved Black Truffles,” “French raspberry Gateau,” or the everyday “Le Cheeseburger Royale.” Make sure to wash it down with the “Revolution daily shave” cocktail, made with French Armagnac.
20 E. Chestnut
Below the luxurious Sofitel in the Gold Coast, chef Greg Biggers knows how to create a menu that blends French elegance with local flavor at Cafe des Architectes. Although there are no Bastille Day specials, chef Greg is highlighting some of his best this cafe has to offer. Order the East Coast red crab cakes smothered in cheese, the seared arctic char topped with an olive dulce de leche, or the stone fruit cremeux.
2300 N. Lincoln Park West
Recently commemorating its 17th Anniversary in Lincoln Park, this Classic French bistro is holding a 17-day celebration leading up to Bastille Day. Besides offering its latest menu items, other specials include, the “vichyssoise,” the “steamed artichoke with lemon sauce,” the “boulliabase,” and a “Paris-Brest dessert.”
1437 N. Wells
Offering traditional French cuisine in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, Bistrot Margot will be celebrating “La Fete Nationale de la France” with French Restaurant Week as well as Bastille Day with additional specials. In addition to offering a specialized menu from the 13-19th, Bistro Margot will also offer all of their French wines at half price on the actual Independence Day. If you’re dining in on Tuesday, be prepared for a few surprises from Veuve Clicquot.
65 E. Washington
Producing breakfast, lunch, and takeaways from scratch daily, Toni’s Patisserie aims to only serve the highest quality ingredients. In light of both of the upcoming Independent holidays, Toni’s loop location is celebrating with a “summer vegetable and goat cheese galette de provence,” “mixed berry clafoutis tart with raspberry coulis,” and its customary patriotic macarons for $1.75 each. However, stop in on any Thursday outside of the holiday to grab a macaron for $1.
2845 N. Clark
Having a presence in Chicago for more than 41 years, La Creperie Cafe has remained a destination to seek out homemade French crepes. For those who prefer the savory style crepes, try the “boeuf bourguignon,” a take on the classic French dish, filled with Burgundy braised beef, mushrooms, carrot, and celery. However, if sugar is on your mind, order the creamy “nutella,” or the citrusy “suzette a la german.” Lathered in Grand Marnier, orange, and a lemon reduction, this sweet treat aims to deliver in flavor, as well as appeal to the rest of the senses.
Photos courtesy of Cochon Volant, Bistrot Margot, Mon Ami Gabi, La Creperie, and Aimee Gasior