Plan Ahead for Bastille Day Dining in Boston

Order a very French picnic basket from Petite Robert Central. 

By Naomi Kooker

The French Revolution has come and gone but we keep on celebrating.

Petite Robert Central: This Downtown Crossing Frenchy is making picnic baskets for your alfresco dining pleasure. What you get: 2 PRC Petit La Valle Baguettes; a jar of PRC chicken liver paté; slices of jamon de bayon; cornichons; Millissa’s fig jam; brie en croute; chilled quinoa and roasted pepper salad; smoked bacon Dijon; plus a selection of PRC macarons (place orders between now and July 11 for pick up on July 12-13; $45 per basket, not including tax and gratuity; 617-737-1777).


Pigalle: Chef-owner Marc Orfaly is doing it up at his Theater District fine French establishment with a low-key French BBQ - Vietnamese-style bánh mì sliders, confit Colorado lamb ribs with a mustard walnut crust and more - July 15 on the patio with live music in the dining room (5-9:30 PM; $20 per person for mixed grill, and $5 per side. 617-423-494).

The French Library & Cultural Center: This is the place for Francophiles on July 13, when Marlborough Street is blocked off between Berkeley and Clarendon streets, and festivities ensue. There will be two Franco-focused bands - Diblo Dibala and Sarazino - plus French food and drinks (6-11 PM; tickets $28 in advance, $35 day-of; 617-912-0400; click here for tickets).