Bistango Salutes Bastille Day with French-Style Small Plates and Rosé Selections July 14

IRVINE, Calif. - June 20, 2016 - PRLog -- While Americans have July 4th as their day of Independence, the French have Bastille Day celebrated 10 days later.  In celebration of the French holiday, Bistango, the critically acclaimed restaurant known for its contemporary American cuisine, is honoring that country's historical roots with a special small plates menu and hand-picked selection of rosés served in Bistango Gardens, the restaurant's 70-seat lushly landscaped al fresco lounge, beginning at 5 p.m.

Executive Chef Tim Doolittle has crafted a number of items for the occasion including a puff pastry cup with escargot, garlic butter & parsley for $10; Tart Oignon Chèvre with caramelized onion, goat cheese & Balsamico d'Oro for $10; Pan-Bagnat of tuna, olive oil, hard egg, sweet onion & pommes gaufrettes for $8; and a lamb sausage sandwich with onion & pepper on a baguette with pommes gaufrettes for $9.  French desserts will include Crêpe Suzette, $7 and a variety of Macarons, $3.

Rosé wines have been hand-selected for the occasion by Bistango's sommelier Bill Blank including a Château de Campuget, Costières de Nîmes for $8 per glass and Gerard Bertrand Coté des Roses for $11.

Bastille Day's origins can be traced to July 14, 1789, when a group of Parisians stormed the Bastille, a fortress/prison and, more importantly, a symbol of corruption of the aristocratic government. Shortly after, King Louis XVI and wife, Marie Antoinette, retreated to Versaille as the peasants pillaged and burned it, destroying records of feudal dues. Bastille Day represents the end of the monarchy and beginning of the modern republic.

"Our family has a long and warm association with France and its culture," said Karyn Ghoukassian, whose father, John, founded, owns and operates the Irvine restaurant.  "We look forward to celebrating Bastille Day at Bistango, for the second year, with our unique offerings set in our garden patio."

Bistango has been a critically acclaimed and popular Orange County dining institution since opening its doors in 1987.  It is renowned for its diverse menu of fine American cuisine set in an airy atmosphere and distinguished by fine art exhibits and white linen fabrics that suspend from the ceiling to lend intimacy.  An extensive cocktail list of classics and house specialties and a 400-bottle wine list that was heralded by Wine Spectator round out the offerings.  Also available are 20 craft beers by the bottle, which include some difficult to acquire selections.

Bistango serves lunch and dinner weekdays and dinner-only Saturdays.   Live entertainment can be enjoyed each evening in its sophisticated lounge where couples may enjoy dancing the night away. Bistango is located at The Atrium (19100 Von Karman Avenue,
 Irvine).  For more information visit  www.bistango.com or call (949) 752-5222.

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