July 12, 2019
Lifestyle,
Calling yourself a francophile may be oh so passé, but living like one will never go out of style. Don a beret and live à la française in Atlanta this month with these fetes and brasseries.
PARTY
Vive la France! Celebrate French traditions and customs at these July events around the A.
Bastille Day
Red, white and blue may seem gauche on the 4th, but for Bastille Day it’s très chic. Wear white to this rooftop celebration of the French National Day at Atlantic Station. The evening flaunts French fare, wine, music, a European-inspired fashion show and more, all to support the educational and cultural programming at the Alliance Française d’Atlanta. July 13, 7pm, sponsorships from $1000, Nelson Mullins at Atlantic Station, Midtown, afatl.com
Waiters’ Race Atlanta
Quel dommage, Atlanta’s annual ode to the century-old French tradition has been postponed until 2020, but the block party with buckets of Moët and flower carts will still happen at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta this Bastille day. The Shops retailers will be offering exclusive experiences, amenities and promotions during the event. July 14, free, 3-6pm, Center Plaza at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, waitersraceatl.org
Fêtes De Bayonne
For five days in the Northern Basque region of Bayonne residents dress in their best red-and-white attire for a whirlwind of street festivals, fireworks, cow races and bull fights. This July, Cooks & Soldiers will bring a bit of that French charm to the Westside with Fetes De Bayonne, an afternoon of entertainment and delectables from executive chef Matthew Ridgway. Le gigot de’boeuf will languish next to meats and cheeses, while the bar produces G&Ts and pastis. And—la vache!—any guest in a full cow costume will enter free of charge. July 28, 4-9pm, tickets $75, fetesdebayonne.splashthat.com; cooksandsoldiers.com
A bartender prepares an impeccable tipple at AIX.
FEAST
Mmm... escargot and duck consommé and Champagne galore. These local French eateries will have you feeling as decadent as Marie Antoinette—sans the guillotine.
AIX
No other restaurant quite captures the essence and flavors of Provence, as AIX. Offering a plethora of French-inspired dishes like the grilled provincial lamb loin with chestnut dumplings, cabbage puree, and brown butter and sage apples; or the AIX cassoulet made with pork belly, red and white sea island peas, and glazed mirepoix, this is an experience like no other. Indulge in decadent desserts such as the tart tropezienne, a sweet brioche filled with orange flower water pastry cream and pearl sugar. Sip on any one of the West Midtown resto’s 100-plus wines, perfectly paired for an immaculate evening. 956 Brady Ave. NW, Ste. 100, 770.838.3501
Tin Tin
Sister restaurant to AIX, Tin Tin is captivating with its electric atmosphere, traditional French cuisine and, of course, divine wine selection. Nosh on brandade fritters with saffron aioli, red pepper coulis and dehydrated lemon; or steak tartare with beet and fresh horseradish. Lighter fares include flavorful cheeses, marinated olives or mimolette gougeres tapenade. In addition to its expansive wine catalog, you may opt for any of the hot spot’s refreshing cocktails while lounging on the patio. 956 Brady Ave. NW, 770.838.3501
Le Fat
This Vietnamese brasserie features rustic wood walls painted with blossoms, lending the stylish space a comfortable yet refined backdrop. The menu melds French colonial and Asian influences, including escargot with sriracha butter, tempura crumb, and garlic bread and cà ri gà (read: Vietnamese curry chicken), braised in madras hot curry, carrot, potato and curry leaf. 935 Marietta St., 404.439.9850
Tiny Lou’s
This French-inspired brasserie offers a refreshing take on the classic decadence of Hotel Clermont, where the restaurant resides. With a flamboyant touch, the peach-colored wallpaper and rose banquettes highlight the restaurant’s extravagant yet inviting feel. Begin with the duck consommé and finish with The Royale dessert—a meal perfectly curated with European influences and Southern elements. 789 Ponce De Leon Ave., 470.485.0085
The creme de fraises at Tiny Lou's
INSPIRATION
And when you’ve eaten every croissant in town, get a dose of joie de vivre with these Instagrams.
Paris in Four Months
This blogger was originally only supposed to be in France for four months before making the move more permanent. Now, follow her as she travels the Boulevard Saint-Germain and beyond. @parisinfourmonths
My Little Paris
Carry Paris in your pocket with this email newsletter’s Instagram (or subscribe at mylittleparis.com!), curated like recommendations from your best French friend. @mylittleparis
Paris With Me
This feed will have you longing for sun-drenched picnics along the Seine and coffee at Café de Flore. @paris.with.me
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