Et cetera

Bastille Day isn’t until July 14th, but beginning Monday the 7th, a variety of French-inspired festivities will be happening around NOLA. So after you’ve drunk your beer, eaten your hot dog, and watched some fireworks, put your beret one and…

Eat: The Patois‘ croque madame. What’s better than melted gruyere resting atop a layer of savory French ham on expertly fried slices of brioche? The aforementioned with an oozing egg nestled on top. Soak up the remnants of your Saturday night like a Frenchman, with the classic French sandwich ($13), served with perfectly golden fries, at Patois’ brunch (from 11:30 AM – 2 PM).

Drink: At CellarDoor. Nothing says French celebration like a glass or three of good French champagne or wine. Newly opened CBD gastro-lounge offers a solid selection of French champagnes and wines, as well as a champagne cocktail ($8-13 per glass). If you get a little peckish in between sips, stay in French character and order the wild mushroom chicken liver pate, served with herb gougeres.

Dress: Your pup (or a friend’s) in a doggie beret. In partnership with the LASPCA, the Alliance Franciase will be hosting the third annual French Dog Contest and parade on July 12th. Canine contestants will come adorned in their best French-wear, competing in three categories: “Best Dressed,” “Most French,” and most “Jules Verne” for dog-oriented prizes.

Dog berets are out of stock in pet stores around NOLA (yes, I checked on this), but online dog battery, Bad Dog Hats, can have your dog Frenchified by next weekend. The dog boutique sells berets in a variety of sizes (small to XL) and colors (“Conspiracy Theory Grey” to “Revolutionary Red”) for $10 each.

Wear: The classic blue and white French boatneck pinstripes on your accessories. You can wear the clichéd boatneck to Bastille Day Festivities and blend in with approximately 500 Jane-something-or-others, or you can subtly sport the same pinstripes on a fashionable tote (such as the cotton and canvas “boat tote” [$68] that eco-friendly bag company Baggu sells) that you can reuse throughout the summer. You decide.

Fete: At Le Foret‘s Bastille Day dinner. Wrap up your French festivities with a French feast at French restaurant Le Foret’s special Bastille Day wine dinner ($140, inclusive of wine, food, tax, and gratuity). The seven-course dinner, each paired with a wine, will feature classic French dishes such as court bouillon en papillote, steak au poivre, a preparation of escargots, and, of course, a cheese course.