19th Annual Storming of the Bastille Block Party
The fun starts at 10 AM on Saturday, July 13, outside Eastern State Penitentiary with food and drink vendors and live music. At 4:30 PM, Marie Antoinette (aka London Grill proprietor Terry Berch McNally) will take her place in front of the castle-like turrets of the prison as you and other hungry festival-goers chant “Let them eat Tastykake!” Tastykakes will rain down and the queen will be beheaded. Later on, the party will move inside to London Grill and Paris Wine Bar and continue through the night.
Bistro St. Tropez
Patrice Rames is offering a special three-course prix-fixe menu on both Saturday and Sunday, July 13-14. Make a reservation to enjoy French favorites like escargot, vichyssoise and crème brûlée while overlooking the Schuylkill from the top of the Marketplace Design Center (215-569-9269).
Devil’s Den
The South Philly pub is getting in on the holiday action by offering $1 off French drafts on Saturday and Sunday. Look for Kornenbourg Blanc, Pietra Amber, Jenlain Blonde and Brasserie Sainte-Colombe Blanche. French-inspired brunch specials will be available to pair with the sips (215-339-0855).
Parc
Stephen Starr’s Rittenhouse brasserie first opened on Bastille Day in 2008, so this Sunday marks the five year anniversary for the bustling restaurant on the edge of the park. An accordion player will be performing from 11 AM-5 PM, French flags will be given away, St. Germain cocktails will be on special and revamped versions of the “fruits de mer” seafood platters will be on the menu (215-545-2262).
Bistrot La Minette
A special picnic-themed menu will mark the occasion at this French bistro in Queen Village, which will open for brunch at 11:30 on July 14 and stay open the entire day, through 9:30 PM. Choose from Peter Woolsey’s specials or go for a 12-item buffet of French dishes including pâte and quiche (215-925-8000).