There’s no better time to indulge your Francophilia than July 14, which is France’s national holiday, also known as Bastille Day; and there’s no better way to do so than by snacking on French culinary delights. From new creperies to restaurants and bakeries offering Bastille Day specials, here are our picks for celebrating liberté, égalité et fraternité.
Bastille Week at Veritas Gateway to Food and Wine
Why celebrate just one day when you can celebrate all week? At Veritas Gateway to Food and Wine in Ellisville, French wine, cocktail and food specials will be available July 12 to 16. From French brunch specials like a croque madame and croissants from La Bonne Bouche bakery to a special dive into French wines to French dinner specials, Veritas is going all in on the Bastille Day spirit, and we love to see it.
15860 Fountain Plaza Drive, Ellisville, 636.227.6800, veritasgateway.com
Nathaniel Reid Bakery
For Bastille Day, French-trained pastry chef Nathaniel Reid is offering several specials including six- and 12-piece macaron boxes, whole quiche Lorraine and a lemon Parisian flan. Preorder online through Wednesday, July 12, for pick up on Thursday or Friday.
11243 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, 314.858.1019, nrbakery.com
Bistro La Floraison Anniversary Party and Bastille Day Soiree
Bistro La Floraison has twice the reason to celebrate this Friday: Besides Bastille Day, it’s also the restaurant’s one-year anniversary. What else is there to do except throw a party? This ticketed event features live music, a welcome cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage and an epic spread of French hors d’oeuvres including foie gras, boudin blanc (white sausage) and chocolate bouchons (small cakes), among other treats. Tickets available online.
7637 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, 314.725.8880, bistrolafloraison.com
Crepes
It’s hard to pick a single iconic French dish, but crepes must be in the top five. Not only is there a crepe for every taste preference, but they can also be eaten at truly any meal – have a fruity crepe for breakfast, a savory crepe for lunch or dinner, or a sweet crepe for dessert. Luckily, three new creperies have recently opened in the St. Louis area, meaning you now have even more places to try this French classic.
Crepes and Treats 2752 Cherokee St., St. Louis, 314.354.8098., Facebook: Crepes and Treats
French Creperie 17409 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, 636.778.0188, frenchcreperie.com
Oh! Holy Crepes 1718 Helen St., Swansea, 618.416.1622, Facebook: OH’ Holy Crepes
This article appears in July 2023.