- “La Fête Nationale” 12th Annual Bastille Day Grand Waiters & Waitresses Race and Musical French Wine Dinner Soirée, Featuring Special Guest Hugues Beaulieu as our Napoléon & Beautiful French Music Of the Tuneful Twosome
July 13, 2025
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
La Grande Tente Garden Terrace
Please join us on Sunday, July 13th at 4:00pm sharp for our 12th 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 12th 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 TUNEFUL TWOSOME, Peter DiGiovanni and Halina Banas-Jones. Peter and Halina have been members of the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society for over 20 years. They have been performing together in various locations across the DMV and more. They have a large repertoire of wonderful tunes to enhance your Bastille Day Experience here at Chez Francois today. The Tuneful Twosome 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, including, of course, the French National Anthem. Hugues, our friend and long-time collaborator, and 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 countries, FRANCE, on La Fête Nationale-July 13th, 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! Join the festivities with us!
Our Exciting Bastille Day Waiters Race Around the Gardens [4:00pm Sharp]
Glass of Crement d’Alsace, to be sipped while cheering your favorite waiter!
BASTILLE DAY MENU DEGUSTATION
Classic French Canapés
Sebastien Brunet, “La Rocherie” Vouvray Methode Traditionnelle Brut
Multi Grain & Sourdough Breads, Glenview Farms Butter
Chef Jacques’ Garden Gazpacho with Poached Maine Lobster
Clement & Florian Berthier, Coteaux du Giennois Rose
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
La Reserve de Jean Faure, Saint Emilion
Trois Couleurs Napoléon with Local Raspberries and Blueberries
Julius Meinl Coffee and a selection of Haney’s Fine Teas
Event Price: $180.00 (Per Person; Excludes 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 celebrations will take place outdoors, and under our 40 x 55 Garden Terrace Tent, with fans and café lights.
