Saturday, July 10
The Embassy of France hosts its annual Bastille Day event, which includes a cocktail reception, silent auction (proceeds go to a nonprofit that helps Washington-based French-Americans in need), buffet dinner, beer, wine, and jazz and swing-dance performances. The food comes from such restaurants as 2941, Bastille, Café du Parc, Et Voilà!, Ici Urban Bistro, and Ris. For more information, click here. Tickets ($85 online or $100 at the door) are available here. 7 to 10.
Saturday, July 10, through Sunday, July 11
Hankering for taste of 18th century French culture? Head to the French Festival at the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens for traditional dances, music, and craft workshops. Tickets, which are available at the door, are $18 for general admission, $12 for Hillwood and Alliance Française members, $7 for college students, and $5 for kids ages six to 18. Children under six are free. Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday 1 to 5.
Over the weekend, Fontaine Caffe & Creperie is parking a crêpe cart outside its Alexandria storefront. Fontaine serves its French pancakes with both familiar (Nutella) and nontraditional fillings (lentils, spinach, and tomatoes).
Wednesday, July 14
Keeping up with what’s become an Adams Morgan tradition—it’s so popular that the restaurant closes down an entire street—L’Enfant Café & Bar hosts its sixth annual French-maid relay race. Festivities begin at 4, the race starts at 8, and a masquerade party gets going at 9. Everyone wears the stereotypical lacy outfit—including men. Free.
Bistrot du Coin honors the storming of the Bastille with a special menu, music, and dancing. The place is completely booked for dinner, but you can get your groove on when the tables and chairs are cleared at 11:30. There’s no cover, but expect to wait on line.
Fontaine Caffe & Creperie is offering a two-course prix-fixe menu that includes a glass of wine and savory and sweet crêpes. Lunch is $19.95 per person, and dinner is $24.95. Hours are 11:30 to 2:30 and 5:30 to 10.
At Grand Cru Wine Bar & Euro Café in Ballston (4401 Wilson Blvd.; 703-243-7900), all house wines are $4, and mussels are $8. Other entrées are discounted.
Café La Ruche celebrates with live accordion music—what could be more French? Hours are 11:30 to 10.
French Restaurant Week kicked off on July 9 and goes through July 15. Participating restaurants include Lavandou in Cleveland Park, which is serving special three-course meals. The menu is $29 for lunch, $39 for dinner, and includes dishes such as steak tartare and sautéed sea scallops. On July 14, live music is provided by Raycurt Johnson and the Duff Davis Duo. Restaurant hours are 11:30 to 10. For the full list of participating restaurants, click here.
Central is hosting a party, called Let Them Eat Gougeres!, from 5:30 to 10:30. Special menu items include escargot pot pie, blue-crab brandade, rockfish amandine, and apple tart tatin.
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