In honor of Bastille Day July 14, I thought I’d see what the French restaurants around town are serving, and I have to say, it’s remarkable how quickly you forget your college-level French when you haven’t practiced it in six years. If they were reading this right now, my professors would probably shake their heads at my not exercising my vocab since around the Taft administration.
I also refuse to give that hostile Duolingo owl the satisfaction of my time and attention, so I’m sorry to say I had to use the internet to look up some of the dishes I found on these menus. Duo probably wasn’t going to teach me the word vichyssoise anyway. Duo is apparently the bird’s name, by the way –– a name so creative it might give Boaty McBoatface a run for its money.
Bastille Day is akin to the Fourth of July and commemorates the day in 1789 revolutionists stormed a military prison in Paris. All of the restaurants in today’s column have Bastille Day specials or events in the works, though none were quite ready to share all the details as of July 1. Here’s what we know in the meantime to whet your appetite.
Saint-Emilion celebrates 40th Bastille Day
This long-standing Fort Worth French restaurant, which just celebrated its 40th anniversary, will host a Bastille Day event July 13, and staff said the restaurant’s newsletter will provide event details closer to the day. Meanwhile, Saint-Emilion has a seasonal à la carte menu and prix-fixe dinners for $59. All desserts are à la carte.
Their three-course menu features any first course from the appetizers; mains of beef, veal, lamb, duck or scallops; and a cheese and salad course. Vegetarian mains are available upon request, according to their online menu.
Appetizers include classics like soupe à l’oignon, escargots and crudités. Desserts range from crème brûlée and seasonal tartes to café liegéois.
3617 W. 7th St., Fort Worth; 817-737-2781
Chez Fabien offers American and French staples
Located in historic Grapevine, Chez Fabien serves primarily French food but includes familiar options non-Francophones will appreciate. Burgers, soups and sandwiches show a mix of American and French flavors, from their All-American Burger to the croque monsieur. Filet mignon, duck confit, mushroom ravioli and short ribs beef bourguignon are some of the entrees.
Chez Fabien has a lot of desserts, among them a bread pudding with dark chocolate ganache and crème brûlée, chocolate lava cake, profiteroles and beignets. The variety of offerings? Chef’s kiss.
316 S. Main St., Grapevine; 817-424-4333
Brunch and seafood on the table at Le Margot
Margot is French for pearl, so it’s no surprise Le Margot’s menu showcases lots of seafood. Dover sole meunière is one of the chef’s picks for $69, and oysters, pasta with caviar, mussels and seared scallops are some oceanic options. Or dive into the trout almondine. There are meat dishes, salads and soups, too, such as the traditional filet au poivre, steak frites, and potato and leek bisque.
If you prefer brunch, Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. they offer both sweet and savory brunch entrees like quiche Lorraine with bacon and roasted onions, brioche French toast, Nutella crepes and eggs Benedict. Happy hour is 3-6 p.m., and Bastille Day falls on a Monday this year, which is when Le Margot offers half-off bottles of wine.
3150 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth; 817-720-9060
We’d love to hear from you! Send your restaurant tips and hot takes to erin.ratigan@fortworthreport.org.
Erin Ratigan is a freelance journalist and writer specializing in narrative news features. You can find her on X @erinratigan.
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