Soiree Francaise

Bastille on Bishop

While Dallas is not known for having an obvious French influence, it has more ties to France than one might think. The Oak Cliff neighborhood was originally established as a French Utopian colony called La Reunion (from where iconic Reunion Tower in Downtown Dallas also received its name). Nearly 350 men and women settled the Oak Cliff area in the 1850s, although most eventually moved elsewhere. Still, the Oak Cliff neighborhood and city of Dallas continue to pay homage to these unique French roots with an annual 'Bastille on Bishop' block party in the Bishop Arts District. While attending the block party is free, tickets can be purchased at www.gooakcliff.org/bastille-on-bishop in order to receive two drink tokens and a commemorative wine glass so you can sip and celebrate all day long!

Shop at Marcel Market

Tucked in the Bishop Arts District is the impossibly chic yet approachable French storefront Marcel Market. Owned by Paris natives Amelie Monvoisin and her husband Gregory, Marcel Market carries exclusive French products including gourmet groceries, home accessories, jewelry and clothing lines that can now call Dallas home. Focusing on small, artisan brands, the market offers the perfect opportunity to take home a little piece of Paris in celebration of Bastille Day.

Munch on Locally Made Macarons

Celebrate Bastille Day (or any day) in style with some champagne and a box of delicious French macarons. It's the perfect way to say 'merci' to a party host or indulge in a sweet treat for yourself. Fortunately, Dallas is home to a host of delightful options for these delectable delicacies. Pop into JOY Macarons, Bisous Bisous Patisserie, or Chelle's for these French cookies in any color and flavor you can imagine. It's all tres magnifique!

French Dining Across Dallas

A culinary destination no matter the cuisine, Dallas is home to some of the best restaurants in the country. For a French dining experience, try any of these amazing hot spots:

• For breakfast sip a latte and cut into a Quiche Lorraine from Mercat Bistro in the Harwood District.
• For elegant lunch options, stop into Highland Park Village's Bistro 31 or sit on the patio at Knox/Henderson's Toulouse restaurant to embody the 'café culture' France is known for.
• Dinner options are plentiful for Parisian-inspired ambience right here in Dallas. Make a reservation at Rise for incredible savory and sweet souffles with your sweetheart to give your evening a certain 'je ne se sais qua!'

MICHELIN STAR DINING

Uptown's newest culinary star arrived fast. Chef Christophe De Lellis, a Paris native who spent nearly a decade leading the kitchen at Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas, opened Mamani in September and earned it a MICHELIN Star within weeks, one of the quickest turnarounds in Texas dining history. The bistronomie-style menu draws from De Lellis's Parisian roots and Riviera-inspired sensibility, with shareable plates like Dover sole in brown butter and a veal Cordon Bleu built on Robuchon's own buttery pommes purée. Save room for the Paris-Brest. Set inside an elegant dining room by London's Bryan O'Sullivan Studio, Mamani gives Dallas a reason to dress up for dinner, whether it's a weeknight indulgence or a full celebration.