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July 14 (or 14 juillet, for the informed) is Bastille Day, which celebrates the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789—a turning point in the French Revolution. The Bastille was an old prison with a cache of artillery and gunpowder, and it represented the tyranny of the French monarchy. Its fall would lead to the sovereignty of the people of France.
Los Angeles is a city in California, which is a state in the United States, whose independence came with help from the French. It is only appropriate, then, for us to celebrate in solidarity with the French by consuming vast amounts of food and alcohol on this Friday night. Here are some of our favorite options in Los Angeles. It may be wise to call ahead and see what wait times are like.
Petit Trois
Petit Trois is Ludo Lefebvre's delicious chef's counter of a restaurant, with wait times that are still exorbitant after about three years into service. For good reason, though; the burger and the omelet are iconic dishes at this point, and most of the rest of the menu (cocktails, too) is equally delicious. Tonight, in celebration of the holiday, Petit Trois will feature several special Grey Goose-based cocktails, like a Provencal Spritz (citron, lavender, sparkling wine) and La Guillotine (Grey Goose, green chartreuse, vermouth blanc & dry, olive, lemon oil). They'll also be featuring a Pomodoro Pasta Flambé on the food menu.
Petit Trois is located at 718 N. Highland Avenue, Hollywood. (323) 468-8916
Taix
Taix, the 90-year-old chalet in Echo Park known for french onion soup and the most absurd Wednesday night accumulation of bored hipsters in L.A., is embracing its French roots by having a special bouillabaisse on the menu from 5-11 p.m. tonight. If you are unfamiliar with bouillabaisse (but familiar with Harry Potter), it's the seafood stew that is served at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when the French witches of Beauxbatons come to stay for the Triwizard Tournament. The rest of Taix's menu will be available as well, along with $6 glasses of a Cote de Thongue, Pech de Montfo, 2014.
Taix is located at 1911 W. Sunset Boulevard, Echo Park. (213) 484-1265
Church and State (Photo by Emi Rose Photography)
Church & State
Church & State, a stalwart of the Arts District, will have a poppin' patio tonight because they've added some classic French dishes to their menu for the holiday. Vichyssoise (cold leek soup) and a salade lyonnaise have been added alongside the usual menu of duck confit, hen stuffed with foie gras, and pork belly roulade. It's the perfect place to enjoy ridiculously rich French food while contemplating the luxury of a 35-hour work week.
Church & State is located at 1850 Industrial St, Arts District. (213) 405-1434
Cafe Stella
For the best steak au poivre in Los Angeles and a scene to rival all scenes, head to Cafe Stella tonight. The open patio area is incredibly pleasant, and the bar is a great spot to continue your evening. They aren't doing any specials for Bastille Day, but that doesn't mean you can't bring your own festivities to the table. Be French about it, though, and keep things subtle and only mildly enthused.
Cafe Stella is located at 3932 West Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake. (323) 666-0265
Don't feel like celebrating in public tonight? No fear. Grab a great Bordeaux from your favorite shop (we recommend Silverlake Wine, Wally's, or Lou) and use your library card to stream a marathon of Criterion Collection films. May we suggest The 400 Blows or Cleo From 5 to 7?
