Dine the Gallic way during Bastille Day celebrations

If you enjoy French cuisine as I do, Bastille Day is Friday, July 14th, a good excuse to indulge. Make your reservations early.

Gallic restaurants, bakeries and cafes throughout greater New York will be offering their finest culinary specialties, vintage wines, and traditional festivities. You can enjoy LA CUISINE FRANCAISE in nearby Westchester!

Encore Bistro in Larchmont is where proprietor David Masliah and his team offer such lusty bistro favorites as: colorful and delicious Tartin de Tomates, Moules Provencales, my favorite Salade Parisienne, along with St. Jacques au buerre blanc and Steak Frites. (It’s hard to stay away from their rendition sweetbreads, too!) Great French fries here, the real thing!

For dessert, there are classic versions of Tarte Tatin and Profiteroles. Outdoor seating. Encore Bistro Francais, 22 Chatsworth Ave., Larchmont. 914-833-1661 www.encore-bistro.com

After a run through the bustling Pleasantville Farmers

Market on a Saturday morning head over to nearby JeanJacques Culinary Creations. The display counters and blackboards are filled with tempting possibilities, from sweet and savory crepes, sandwiches to fresh breads and cakes. It’s been 22 years and the place is working at full steam. There are two dining rooms, one counter side, and a separate more formal section. French classics include Quiche Lorraine with salad, and a Croque Madame Croissant, oozing with fried egg, cheese, and ham. Outdoor seating weather permitting. Jean-Jacques, 468 Bedford Road, Pleasantville. 914-747-8191 www.jeanjacques.com

La Cremaillere has brought country French dining back to the Westchester/Connecticut border hamlet of Banksville. Venerable La Cremaillere Restaurant, housed in a vintage 1750 house on Bedford-Banksville Road, has reopened and currently serves dinner only Wednesday-Saturday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m; and Saturday and Sunday lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. Executive Chef is Thomas Burke, who had previously worked at Purdy’s Farmer and the Fish locations in Westchester & New York City, and Le Bernardin, Manhattan. Look for such Gallic specialties as: Hudson Valley

Foie Gras, Long Island Duck Breast ‘a l’orange’, and Strawberries & Cream MilleFeuille. La Cremaillere, 46 Bedford-Banksville Road, Banksville. 914-234-9647 www.lacremny.com

Chef/Proprietor George Seitz has maintained the oldworld charm at The Arch in Brewster for 40 years. His restaurant is one of the long-standing culinary destinations in the Hudson Valley. Be seated in the lovely stone hearth dining room and consider such French classics as: House Cured Gravlax with all the trimmings; Sizzling Escargots; Crisp Honey Orange Roasted Duckling; and for dessert classic Grand Marnier Souffle. A fine dose of seasonal flourishes, too. Elegant, but not stuffy. Outdoor seating. The Arch, 1292 Route 22, Brewster. Reservations suggested. 845-2795011 www.archrestaurant. com

Proprietors Joe Quartararo and Christian Larsen have been operating Le Jardin du Roi in the heart of Chappaqua for over 20 years. It’s a chic bistro interior and cozy bar. There’s also a pleasant tented outdoor patio. The surrounding garden flowers are in full bloom. A long-standing favorite here is their signature Burger du Roi, prepared medium with bacon, Swiss cheese, and sunny side egg on top.

To my memory, Le Jardin was one of the first to ‘throw an egg on it’, before the culinary concept became so commonplace. The large platter comes with French fries. The burger oozes decadence, deliciously so. Also, look for their delightful French Onion Soup, Escargots, or Croque Monsieur/Madame. Breakfast served all day. Le Jardin Due Roi, 95 King Street, Chappaqua. 914-238-1368 www.lejardinchappaqua.com

The former Vox location in North Salem has evolved into two French inspired restaurants in one: the formal La Bastide, and Cenadou a more casual bistro. Cenadou is now open for dinner only Wednesday through Sunday. La Bastide will follow soon. Owners are husband and wife Andrea Calstier and CONTINUED ON