Bastille Day celebration

As part of the celebration of both the American and French national days, Les Halles Downtown, a French restaurant on John Street is presenting an evening of music, dance, a race, and food – of the fusion order, on Monday, July 14.

The events that evening will cap an eleven-day celebration of the holidays of both countries, a tradition that was brought to the Downtown area by owner Philippe Lajaunie. “We were located on 60th St for three years,” said Lajaunie of the once three-day block parties that celebrated French culture, fashion and cuisine, largely due to support from the Alliance Francaise, “but following Sept. 11, we moved the festival Downtown since we already had a restaurant here.”

The Les Halles Liberty Festival features the famous Bastille Races, the most popular of which is the Waiters’ race where participants race-walk the course balancing a tray with a bottle and flute of Charles Heidsieck Champagne in one hand.

The Waiters race at John St. near Broadway is at 5:30 p.m., followed by a children’s race at 6:30 p.m., a “guest’s race” at 7 p.m., and a chef’s race at 8 p.m.

The suggested entry fee for all races is $10 with 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.

For information call (212) 285-8585.

—Ranjit Jose