- “La Fête Nationale” 11th Annual Bastille Day Grand Waiters & Waitresses Race and Musical French Wine Dinner Soirée
July 14, 2024
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Please join us on Sunday, July 14th at 4:00pm sharp for our 11th annual action-packed Bastille celebratory soirée at L’Auberge Chez François for an afternoon and evening that promises to be packed with fun, merriment, music, and of course fine wine and delectable cuisine.
In honor of La Fête Nationale, dine on our outdoor covered terrace overlooking our gardens and grounds while enjoying a six-course menu de degustation created by Chef Jacques, paired with the fine French wines from Elite Wines. The delectable dinner features “just picked” produce directly from our on-site gardens.
Let’s kick off our celebration by cheering on the L’Auberge Chez François’ Wait Staff competing in our very own exciting 11th Annual Bastille Day Waiters & Waitress Race (inspired by the famous footrace in Paris) around our gardens and grounds!
Come early (race begins promptly at 4pm) and enjoy a glass of chilled Crement d’Alsace while cheering on your favorite server, as they race with trays filled with glasses and champagne bottles in a pre-selected route for the coveted Bastille Day Trophy and prizes, and, of course, serious bragging rights.
Special guest Napoléon “Hugues Beaulieu”, from Elite Wines (in full costume as Napoleon today), will kick off the race with the ancient art of sabering, along with Chef Jacques, Napoleon’s side kick, but of course. A brief awards ceremony will follow.
In honor of La Fête, we continue the lively soirée, and head to our lovely tented and covered 40 x 55foot garden terrace, complete with eight cooling fans, café bistro lighting, pastoral views of our six acres, two on-site gardens, koi pond, and blooming flowers! In such a gorgeous, lush setting, you will be sure to enjoy our special Fête National.
Continue to sip and toast our homeland’s independence and enjoy our Six-Course Bastille Day Menu de Degustation created by Chef Jacques that will feature produce harvested directly from our on-site gardens.
Joining us this afternoon will be the uber talented French singer VERONNEAU trio with UK violin virtuoso Dave Kline. The distinctive intimate, fiery, emotional sound of VERONNEAU, stripped down to Quebecoise vocal powerhouse Lynn Veronneau with rich, dynamic guitar and blazing violin. The trio will perform gems and favorites from their numerous award-winning albums. Expect French chansons, jazz, blues and world music. The award-winning, world-jazz band has 3 Top 10 charting albums, and tours in the USA, Canada and Europe. The 2023 Blues Alley Artists in Residence headlined DC Jazz Festival.
“Inspiring and joyful” Washington Post Lynn and her trio will recreate a vibrant and spirited genre that captures the essence of our French Holiday, Bastille Day. Our own “Napoleon” will lead in lively songs singing together, the French National Anthem. Hugues, our friend and long-time collaborator, former Beverage Director/Head Sommelier at The Inn at Little Washington will provide us with fine wines from one of the world’s best producing wine country, FRANCE on La Fête Nationale-July 14th, at L’Auberge Chez François.
Celebrate the Francophile in you with us in this action packed “not to be missed” Bastille Day Soirée! Reserve early, as we always sell out this ever-popular celebration and experience !
“Vive la France” and here’s to an afternoon of delicious food and good French fun on Bastille Day! Bon Appétit et Happy La Fête Nationale !
Bastille Day Waiters Race Around the Gardens
[4:00pm Sharp]
Crement d’Alsace
BASTILLE DAY MENU DEGUSTATION
Classic French Canapés
Jean Luc Mader, Cremant d’Alsace
Multi Grain & Sourdough Breads, Glenview Farms Butter
Chef Jacques’ Garden Gazpacho with Poached Maine Lobster
Bernard Rion Coteaux Bourguignons Rose 2023
Chef Jacques’ Famous Garden Tomato and Basil Salad with Herb Maison Vinaigrette
A Bastille Day Celebration Sorbet
Creekstone Farms Certified Angus Beef Filet Mignon, Sauce Choron, Spicy Onion Rings, Grilled Garden Vegetable Medley
Domaine Stephane Ogier, Cotes du Rhone Rouge « Le Temps est Venue » 2020
Trois Couleurs Napoléon with Local Raspberries and Blueberries
Julius Meinl Coffee and a selection of Haney’s Fine Teas
Event Price: $180.00, excluding tax & gratuity – For a total of $220.00 per person.
Tickets non-refundable. We are happy to accommodate guests’ dietary concerns, so all may join the festivities. Please email chezlauberge@aol.com or call 703-759-3800 with special requests. Patrons will have an opportunity to purchase these wines at a very special price this evening. Bastille Day will take place outdoors, and under our 40 x 55 Garden Terrace Tent, with fans and café lights.
