Bastille Day means Bon Appetit at Bistrot Zinc: Marie Antoinette, in full costume, will pass out complimentary cake to guests

Bistrot Zinc (1131 N. State St., Chicago; 312-337-1131) will express its French pride on Monday, July 14, as this popular French bistrot celebrates Bastille Day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 which is considered the start of the French Revolution.

Bastille Day is always an important day at Bistrot Zinc, and the restaurant will be serving a special Bastille Day prix fixe menu in addition to the regular menu. The menu will be available from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is priced at $32.95 per person. On Bastille Day we recall the legend of French Queen Marie Antoinette: When she was told that the French people were angry because they had no bread to eat, she said haughtily, “Then let them eat cake.” Whether the story is true or not, it is a fact that Marie Antoinette didn’t care to deal with serious matters and  was more or less oblivious to France’s financial crisis. The French people became disenchanted with her, leading to the storming of the Bastille and ending the French monarchy.

Bistrot Zinc can’t pass up a good opportunity to express its authenticity, so the restaurant has arranged for Marie Antoinette to be on hand on Bastille Day to pass out cake to all the guests. Bistrot Zinc’s Bastille Day menu begins with a selection of tantalizing appetizers, including Pâté Traditionnel, duck liver pâté served with red wine mustard and crouton; Baby Beets, served with Banylus vinaigrette and shaved fennel; and Sautéed
Calamari with shaved radish and citrus vinaigrette.

The dinner continues with excellent entrée choices including Grilled Salmon with gingered red lentils; Coq Au Vin on buttered egg noodles; Pork Milanese with heirloom tomato salad; and Vegetable Chickpea Tagine, a Moroccan-inspired dish served with toasted almonds and couscous.

The meal will conclude on a sweet note with a choice of Stone Fruit Parfait, Chocolate Mousse and Almond-Butter Cake served with macerated berries.Bistrot Zinc’s authentic and delicious regular menu features popular items such as Escargots BZ to start or the classic Soupe à l’Oignon, French Onion Soup. Tried and true entrées include Steak Frites, a bistrot steak served with butter and pommes frites and Vol-au-Vent, the stew du jour in puff pastry with crème fraîche mashed potatoes.

Bistrot Zinc is the perfect spot for a French summer escape for lunch or dinner, located in the heart of Chicago’s bustling Gold Coast neighborhood.  Bistrot Zinc’s open French doors and colorful country French décor will be sure to help you unwind while you delight in the classic and contemporary French dishes faithfully prepared by Chef Tim Kirker.

About Bistrot Zinc
Bistrot Zinc, celebrating its 16th anniversary this fall, is an authentic French Bistrot (1131 N. State St, Chicago, IL, 60610; 312-337-1131), serving classic and contemporary French food. The name is derived from typical French bistrots where the “zinc” bar is a popular meeting place for good food,
conversation and camaraderie.

In this lovely French bistrot, moderately-priced classic and contemporary French food is served amid the traditional bistrot ambiance of tile floors, tin ceilings, and the beautifully handcrafted zinc bar. An atmosphere of French authenticity prevails throughout as you step into this lively Parisian atmosphere.

Lunch is served Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner is served Monday – Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, please visit the website at www.bistrotzinc.com