Summer in the nation’s capital means outdoor fun, parties, and barbeque food. Brasserie Les Halles Bastille races and festivities have also become an annual summer tradition of family fun and food. This year, the original Bastille Races in the U.S. celebrate 29 years of fun and frivolity on America’s “Main Street,” Pennsylvania Avenue. “The Penn Quarter neighborhood has experienced an amazing renaissance, which makes our celebration even more popular, a perfect celebration of summer and freedom, right between The White House and the U.S. Capitol,” notes Philippe Lajaunie, Founding Partner of Les Halles brasseries. Les Halles will be celebrating the most important dates in the U.S. and France history - July 4th, America's Independence Day, and the 14th of July, Bastille Day, during the 11 day Festival, but the races will take place on the 11th – giving everyone an excuse to take off Friday afternoon and start the weekend early!

Beginning on Friday, July 4th, Brasserie Les Halles (1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW) 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. 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 Friday, July 11th with a day-long outdoor street party on Pennsylvania Avenue 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 region 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 (Guests’ 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, 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 – 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

For the public: Les Halles reservations, phone: 202.347.6848
For more information on the Les Halles Bastille Races, 202.969.2976

Media contact: Kerry Lynn Bohen, BWF Communications
Phone: 202.969.2964, e-mail: kbohen@bwfcom.com