New Details Unveiled for Bastille, Bistrot Royal Restaurants in Alexandria

Chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux on Tuesday officially announced the relocation of their contemporary French restaurant, Bastille, to a larger location within Old Town, and introduced a casual everyday concept, Bistrot Royal, in its place.

The transition will take place mid-January 2015, they noted in a news release.

With eight years at 1201 N. Royal St., Chef-Pastry Chef, husband and wife grew Bastille’s reputation, they noted. In this new phase, the couple will continue sharing their passion for food through these two new distinct sister restaurants.

Bastille’s new home at the corner of North Fayette and Pendleton streets is on the street level of The Asher, a new apartment building in Old Town. A contemporary take on the classic French brasserie, the interiors of Bastille will be a mix of rich woods and cool green accents, highlighted by photography and artwork reminiscent of modern France, the two noted.

With seating for 75 in two dining rooms, 25 in the bar and cafe, and an additional 40 on the courtyard patio, Bastille’s new venue will also offer private dining, an all-day café menu and an enhanced kitchen primed to serve more guests.

Fans of Bastille can expect the unique seasonal menus with which the Chefs Poteaux have become synonymous. Sourced from sustainably produced, local ingredients, the menu will offer modern Parisian cuisine with classic inspirations. The chefs also embrace international influences from the various ethnic neighborhoods of Paris.

Appetizers will range in price from $8 to $20, with main courses from $22 to $30. In addition to Michelle’s renowned desserts and ice creams, she will offer made-to-order cakes for special occasions and other baked goods. Beverage director Mark Slater will showcase an extensive French and iconic international wines, with a selection of wines offered by the glass. Craft cocktails and beers will also be featured in the new Bar Bastille.

When Bastille makes its move, its previous location will transform into its new sister restaurant, Bistrot Royal. An ode to the classic French bistro, Bistrot Royal will be an everyday neighborhood restaurant where guests can enjoy a quick lunch, casual date or a family meal. With décor inspired by the characteristic French café, warm woods, red accents and banquettes lend a cozy quotidian feel to the space that will accommodate 42 diners amongst cozy, new banquettes, as well as 8 at the bar. Another 24 seats are available al fresco on the stone patio, weather permitting.

At Bistrot Royal, guests will look forward to becoming regulars thanks to familiar French comfort dishes such as steak frites, croque monsieur, salads and patés. Beverages will include classic cocktails in addition to local craft beers and wines by the glass for $10 or less and all bottles priced reasonably under $60.

“Bastille is our heart and soul,” said Pastry Chef Michelle Poteaux. Her husband Christophe added, “Bastille and Bistrot Royal are lifetime achievements for us and we are very happy to continue sharing our passion with this community.”

Bastille is located at 606 N. Fayette St. in Alexandria and will be open from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for lunch and weekend brunch; and 5-10pm for dinner daily. The bar will be open from 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. daily, with weekday happy hour from 5-7 p.m. For more information call (703) 519-3776, visit www.bastillerestaurant.com, or find Bastille on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Bistrot Royal is located at 1201 N. Royal St., in Alexandria and will be open for lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner from 5:30-9:30pm Tuesday- Saturday; brunch from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and dinner from 4-8:30 p.m. Sundays, and closed Monday. For more information please call (703) 519-9110, visit www.bistrotroyal.com, or find Bistrot Royal on Facebook or Twitter.

PHOTOS courtesy of restaurants via social media