Viva Bastille Day! 7 Spots to Celebrate Around LA

Daytime oysters and petanque at Church & State

By Lesley Balla

In France, celebrating the 1789 storming of the Bastille is one of the most revered holidays. For us, it's just another reason to drink Champagne cocktails...and maybe take a photo with our head in a guillotine while eating a piece of cake. Here's where to find some Frenchie fun around town on Saturday, July 14.

Comme Ca
Celebrate the storming of the Bastille in the bar all night at David Myers' West Hollywood bistro. Get pitchers of rose sangaree for $17.89, French 75s, or a Death in the Afternoon (absinthe and Champagne). French-inspired small plates like tuna nicoise deviled eggs, mussels with andouille sausage, and clams casino will be on the menu. The party starts at 5:30 PM (8479 Melrose Ave.; 323-782-1104).

Papilles
The wonderfully hidden Hollywood spot celebrates its bistronomique roots with a $30 menu that includes your choice of French onion soup or frisee salad with French radishes; moules or steak frites; camembert or chocolate mousse for dessert. Carafes of natural French wines are only $12 (6221 Franklin Ave.; 323-871-2026).

Church & State
Head downtown where the Oyster Gourmet will be shucking oysters, you can play petanque on the patio, and sip and nibble on French cocktails and summer sandwiches. Specials are offered from 11 AM to 3 PM (1850 Industrial St.; 213-405-1434).

Fig + Olive
For a spin through Provencal via West Hollywood, check out the prix fixe brunch ($28) that includes a cocktail of choice (Bellini, Piscine, Bloody Mary, sangria) from noon to 3 PM. There's also a special Bastille Day happy hour on the patio from 6-8 PM featuring $8 cocktails (8490 Melrose Place; 310-360-9100).

Monsieur Marcel
Stop by the Farmers Market for croque monsieur and a glass of wine, or pick up a world of French specialties to celebrate at home. There will be a live accordion player from 6 to 9 PM to add to the ambience (6333 W. 3rd St; 323-939-7792).

Cliff's Edge
In addition to a special prix fixe menu of French specialties, courtesy the very French chef Ben Bailly, an entire night of revelry is planned at the Silver Lake restaurant. In the bar, live music and cult French films, there will be drink specials, plus a free glass of rose to anyone in a French-themed costume. And there will be cake. Lots of it. Photos at the guillotine or with Marie Antoinette are a given (3626 W. Sunset Blvd.; 323-666-6116).

Bouchon Bistro
Dine in the bistro during brunch or dinner (11 AM-2:30 PM or 5:30-10:30 PM) and get a complimentary glass of Kir. Down at the bakery, there will be special tri-color macarons in honor of the holiday. And at the bar, it's happy hour all day long (235 N. Canon Dr.; 310-271-9910).