We’re two days away from Bastille Day and celebrating in Manila despite the pandemic is actually doable. True, huge parties are still quite the risk. However, there are ways for French people in Manila to honor Fête Nationale and for locals and other expats to join in on the fun. All while following pandemic protocols. This year, the French Embassy in Manila partnered with restaurants all over the Metro and in Cebu to offer special menus for Bastille Day. It’s a great way for people to learn more about French culture and for foodies to indulge.
Here’s what’s on offer:
Spiral at Sofitel
I’ve always loved Spiral’s buffet with its 21 dining ateliers. So much so that I went there for my birthday dinner last month. I admit I was a bit hesitant to go at first after my husband suggested it. A buffet during a pandemic? How are they operating? In the end, the call of the cheese room was stronger than my apprehension. I’m glad we went anyway as Spiral is handling the whole situation well. Just like before, you have servers filling up your plate but now, there are clear dividers between you and the food to keep everyone safe. Going to the ateliers also require a mask and there’s so much space in between tables. I felt safe and had such a wonderful time. I may have spent most of my tummy allocation on what’s in their cheese room but I left with no regrets.
Their French atelier will be working extra hard on Wednesday. They also have a special price for free-flowing Moët & Chandon during brunch, and you get a discount if you’re a French national.
Spiral
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel CCP Complex 1300, Roxas Blvd, Pasay, Metro Manila
Call for reservations: +632 8832 6988
Or send an email: H6308-FB12@sofitel.com
Website: Click here
Brasserie Sagana
Chef Marc Aubry’s Brasserie Sagana is a farm-to-family French restaurant in Bonifacio Global City. Truth be told, I haven’t been to this one. It opened while we were away and I have yet to try out their food. However, it’s been on my list even before we moved back as every time a friend in Manila posts a photo of their meal in Sagana, it’s always captioned with how good everything is.
You’ll get an appetizer, sherbet to refresh the palate, a main (choice of veal or crustaceans), a cheese course, and a dessert for Php 2,500. There’s also a complimentary cocktail and a warm drink to cap off the evening. A great choice for a date night if you ask me.
Brasserie Sagana
Ground Floor One/NEO 3rd Avenue, corner 26th St, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila
Call: +632 8815 8801
For reservations, click here.
Café Fleur
I recently featured Café Fleur here on Almost Diplomatic and since then, I’ve been back a couple of times more with different friend groups. I swear, I’m no shareholder nor am I related to Chef Sau del Rosario. Just a big fan of his food and his bright and airy café.
For Bastille Day, they have a three-course menu with an option for wine pairings. As I always say whenever I write about restaurants: Never say no to the wine pairings. (Unless you’re pregnant or highly allergic, of course).
Le Petit Café Fleur
5893 Enriquez Street, Poblacion 2009 Makati, Philippines
Phone: +63 917 556 0917
Find them on Instagram
L’entrecôte
A neighborhood bistro serving Swiss-French comfort at BGC’s Burgos Circle, L’entrecôte has an outdoor dining spot to keep you in a place with ample ventilation while enjoying a good meal. Admit it – it’s something a lot of us check before going out to eat these days. Their famous Steak-Frites which comes with unlimited, hand-cut fries are taking center stage for their Bastille Day menu along with Pissaladière (flatbread with toppings), dessert, and wine.
L’entrecôte
Forbestown Road, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila
Call: +632 8856 4858
Website: Click here
The Bistro by Element
Element Boutique Hotel’s The Bistro is also joining the celebration with special cocktails using Filipino citrus liqueur Manille. They also have barbecue platters that will go well with each drink. Poblacion on a Wednesday evening? Why not?
The Bistro at Element Boutique Hotel
4950 Guerrero St. Brgy, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila
Call: +63967 442 1388
Click here for their website
Metronome
Chef Miko Calo’s modern French restaurant in the heart of Makati is also offering up a special set menu. It will be available from the 14th until the 17th of July. Just call ahead and let them know you’re coming for this particular set.
Metronome
Bolanos Street The Grand Midori Makati, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229 Metro Manila
Call: +63 917 147 3776
Click here for their website
Society Lounge
Free entrance and glass of wine plus a special menu and program await at Society Lounge this Wednesday.
Society Lounge
G/F Atrium Building, Makati Avenue corner Paseo De Roxas, Makati City,, Metro Manila, Makati, 1225 Metro Manila
Call: +632 8856 2610
Find them on Instagram
L’Epicerie Gourmande
Part restaurant, part French grocer’s, L’Epicerie Gourmande is the go-to for French wine, cold cuts, and dishes in the South. Located in Molito Lifestyle Center, it has an area for al fresco dining and is a great place to just pop by and get some essentials for a cozy night in. For Bastille Day, however, it’ll be a lot more fun to dine there and stay a tad longer than usual.
L’Epicerie Gourmande
Unit 7, building 7 Molito Lifestyle Extension, Madrigal Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa, 1781 Metro Manila
Call: +632 8256 4181
Find them on Facebook
La Vie Parisienne
A French heritage buffet will be available on Wednesday, 14 July, at La Vie Parisienne in Cebu. An assortment of French pastries by Chef Philippe of Tymad Bistro will also be served for dessert.
La Vie Parisienne
371 Gorordo Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
Call: +63917 885 5739
Find them on Facebook
Dr. Wine Manila
Dr. Wine in Poblacion is letting their customers meet their wine suppliers through a free tasting from five until eight in the evening on Bastille Day. This, along with the availability of 14 traditional French dishes by Chef Alain Raye.
Dr. Wine Manila
5921 Algier, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila
Call: +63917 563 8811
Find them on Instagram
Mirèio at Raffles Makati
From the 14th ’til the 18th of this month, you’ll also get to enjoy a special dinner menu at Mirèio, Raffles Makati’s French Brasserie.
Mirèio at Raffles Makati
9th level, Raffles Makati, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati City
Call: +632 7795 0707
Click here for their website
So there you have it. A rundown of some options for this coming Bastille Day. Hope you get to enjoy – safely as you follow pandemic protocols – and indulge. Yes, it’s the middle of the workweek but who says you can’t treat yourself?
