Summertime in New York means outdoor fun, parties, and BBQ. Brasserie Les Halles Bastille races and festivities have also become an annual summer tradition of family fun and food. This year Les Halles brings their summer celebrations downtown as the Liberty Festival and Bastille Races move closer to Lady Liberty, in the heart of Manhattan’s Financial District. “We want to show our commitment to the rebuilding of lower Manhattan by bringing this popular celebration to the area and are ready to celebrate its come-back, summer and freedom,” notes Philippe Lajaunie, Founding Partner of Les Halles brasseries. Les Halles Downtown will be celebrating the most important dates in the U.S. and France - July 4th, America's Independence Day, and the 14th of July, Bastille Day, during an 11 day Festival.

Beginning on Friday, July 4th, Les Halles Downtown will set the summer spirit with eleven straight days of non-stop activities including trivia quizzes, prizes, music, and of course a special Red, White & Blue menu in the restaurant (at 15 John Street, off Broadway). The menu will feature appetizers such as Tuna and Tomato Tartar (Stars and Stripes), Carpacciao de boeuf “en drapeau” (“in a flag”). Patriotic entrées include Canard (Duck) aux Navets “Spangled Banner,” and Cabillaud (Cod Fish) Tri-color. Dessert will include a Fruit Napoleon. The regular Brasserie menu will also be available.

The activities in the restaurant will then bubble over onto the street on Monday, July 14th with a day-long outdoor street party on John Street (off Broadway) featuring music, food, entertainment and the famous “Bastille Races.” Festival goers line the race course to cheer on the contestants, and enjoy the often hilarious antics of these unique games. For the now-famous Waiters/Waitresses Race, restaurant waitstaff from all over the city speed-walk the race course balancing on one hand a tray with a bottle (and a glass) of Charles Heidsieck Champagne, as well as a plate of Président Brie. “The Waiters Race has been so popular, that we created more races so kids, chefs and even restaurant goers could participate,” according to Lajaunie. The other races are: the “StarChefs” Chefs Race, a Les Haller’s Race (Guest’s Race) and a Les Halles Angels Race (Children’s Race). The suggested entry fee for all races is $10, with all proceeds going to benefit Best Buddies, a not-for-profit cause that enhances the lives of intellectually disabled persons by providing companions and job opportunities.

The Liberty Festival will also feature family entertainment such as face painting, portraiture, circus performers, dancing, a live DJ, and of course, food! In addition, this year will introduce an educational exhibit on nutrition and how cheese is made, sponsored by “Président,” one of the leading dairy brands in the world, and makers of Président Brie.

Les Halles Liberty Festival - Friday, July 4th through Monday, July 14th
Brasserie Les Halles Downtown - 15 John Street (Between B’way & Nassau near the Fulton St. Subway station)

For the public: Les Halles reservations, phone: 212-285-8585
For more information on the Les Halles Liberty Festival, 212-269-6500

Media contact: Philip Ruskin, Ruskin International Communications
Phone: (212) 749-5511, e-mail: PDRuskin@aol.com