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This Sunday, July 14, is Bastille Day, commemorating the day in 1789 when a crowd of rebel Parisians stormed a prison castle to resist France's monarchy and its treatment of citizens. This pivotal point in the French Revolution prompted a declaration of human civil rights.
The day falls in the same month as Independence Day in the United States, and it was the American Revolution that inspired the events of the French Revolution, including Bastille Day.
French culture and cuisine are beloved the world over, including the Magic City. To celebrate, several spots in Miami will offer Bastille Day specials this weekend.
Bagatelle. For the second year in a row, Bagatelle in South Beach is honoring its French heritage with a Bastille Day brunch. The day will include themed dance shows, cassoulet — a casserole originating in Southern France – rosé showers, and a limited-edition French cocktail. The terrace will offer games of pétanque — a boules sport similar to bocce. Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at 220 21st St., Miami Beach; 305-704-3900; bagatellemiami.com.
Cafe Bastille. Expect free unlimited champagne, professional can-can dancers, and French music. Noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at 248 SE First St., Miami; 786-425-3575; cafebastilledowntown.com. RSVP is encouraged.
Le Bouchon du Grove. Serving its standard menu, this Coconut Grove bistro will host a bretelle and beret costume party with live accordion music by Marie Carmen. One prize will be awarded to the best outfit. Reservations are required. 6 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at 3430 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove; 305-448-6060; lebouchondugrove.com.
La Côte. The Fontainebleau's La Côte will celebrate Bastille Day and all things French with a Moët & Chandon champagne cabana, French DJs, a live saxophone player, and swag giveaways — all with an ocean view. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-674-4710; fontainebleau.com.
La Petite Maison. The French/Mediterranean fine-dining restaurant in Brickell will serve caviar, champagne, and other French favorites. Noon to 2:30 p.m. and 6 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at 1300 Brickell Bay Dr., Miami; 305-403-9133; facebook.com/LaPetiteMaisonMiami.
La Rue Bistronomie. This French restaurant in the Grove will offer a special menu on Bastille Day. A $55, three-course prix fixe includes items such as terrine de Campagne aux truffles, truite amandine, and chocolate mousse. 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at 3145 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove; 305-774-5929; laruemiami.com.
Mirabelle. The new French restaurant/bakery in downtown Miami will host a three-course luncheon. Dishes include saucisson chaud en brioche for the appetizer, coq au vin nouilles au beurre for the main course, and iles flottantes caramelisee for dessert. Prices range from $45 to $50. 114 SE First St., Miami; 786-440-6561; mirabellemiami.com.
Otentic Fresh Food Restaurant. This bistro in the heart of South Beach serves escargots, Nutella-stuffed crêpes, and other French fare. 538 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; 305-531-1464; otenticrestaurant.com.
The Standard Spa. Miami Swim Week coincides with Bastille Day at the Standard Spa, which will host a poolside barbecue this Sunday. Standard members can get complimentary rosé from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Rosé Lounge. Music will be provided by DJ Hottpants and special guests. 2 p.m. to sunset Sunday, July 14, at 40 Island Ave., Miami Beach; 305-673-1717; standardhotels.com.
Villa Azur. This Friday and Saturday, Villa Azur will offer a special menu for its Bastille Day celebration. Items include foie gras, fresh terrine, blue Gorgonzola dulce pistachio ice, dark cherry compote, chocolate meringue, and flambé with cognac. Saturday, dinner will be accompanied by live music and French-style dancers. Reservations are encouraged. 6:30 p.m. to midnight Friday, July 12, and Saturday, July 13, at 309 23rd St., Miami Beach; 305-763-8688; villaazurmiami.com.
Le Zoo. This French bistro at Bal Harbour Shops celebrates Bastille Day with a host of events all day long including the French Horn Collective band, an acordion player, a human statue of Marie Antoinette, mimes, and a photo booth. Le Zoo will also offer a special Bastille Day menu that features salmon rillettes, coq au vin, and more. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour; 305-602-9663; lezoo.com.
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