Bastille

Annually, the on the third Thursday of November, there is a reason to celebrate.  This year, on the 20th of the month, the Beaujolais Noveau will again debut—and there is no better place than Bastille to enjoy this vintage event.  From Thursday, November 20th through Sunday, November 23rd, Chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux feature this year’s grapy libation.  The restaurant will also feature Beaujolais Noveau and not, the entire month of December—by the bottle or by the glass.  Paired with Bastille’s contemporarily classic French menu of a la carte or prix fixe tasting offerings, the lush red wine is the perfect accompaniment. 

On the menu, choices run the gamut from Moules a la crème with rouille crostini ($9/$18) to house-made duck charcuterie tasting: confit, prosciutto and rillettes ($12).  Entrees include ‘magret and confit de canard—‘ pan-roasted moullard breast and confit leg with cognac-pruneau sauce; Canelini bean cassoulet, sautéed Brussels sprouts ($24); ‘Pork Heaven’-- twelve-hour- braised pork belly in a spiced beer sauce and grilled rib chop with sweet potatoe puree and sautéed Brussels sprouts ($24), to farmer’s market winter squash and sage risotto ($12/$20).  A three course menu is available Tuesday to Saturday at $32.  The piece de resistance is the Chefs Poteaux tasting menus.  Their newly revamped multi-course offerings offer guests the choice of going for the full-on dining experience with a six-course ‘Christophe and Michelle’ tasting menu priced at $59 (plus $35 with wine pairings) or the ‘Gourmand’ Tasting, a four-course tasting, priced at $45 (plus $25 with wine pairings).  The chefs Poteaux have created a menu that strives to offer high-end gastronomy in a bistro setting with approachable pricing—arguably among the best dining deals in town.  

Chef Michelle offers her signature mouth watering menu crescendo with a menu that includes Banana cheesecake, Chocolate fudge sauce and cashew brittle ($8); warm local apple tatin with brandied crème fraiche  ($8); and coffee crème caramel studded with maple glazed walnuts  A cheese selection is offered as individual selections, in a trio ($12), and for true aficionados, as a plate to share with a sampling of five to seven styles ($16-$19). 

Bastille is located at 1201 N. Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria, VA and is open for lunch: from 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Tuesday thru Friday and 12noon-2:30 p.m. on Saturday; dinner is from 6:00-9:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 6:00-10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Sunday brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Sunday dinner from 5:00-8:00 p.m.  For further information and reservations phone 703-519-3776 or visit www.bastillerestaurant.com.