French Roast

French is again being spoken on the grounds of the French Legation this week. In 1841, French chargé d'affaires Alphonse Dubois commissioned the building to entertain dignitaries of the fledgling Republic of Texas. Now, a contingent from Austin's sister city, Angers, is entertaining on the property. Dubois would be proud.

During South by Southwest, the tree-shaded grounds of the property are covered with tents offering music, film, and art stages, as well as a completely functioning kitchen and charming outdoor bistro. Chefs Gérard Bossé and Rémi Fournier are manning the ranges, serving up meals of French bistro classics with exemplary wine pairings for $110-200 per person.

Local forager Valerie Broussard of V. Broussard Consulting is assisting the visiting chefs in sourcing the finest farm-fresh local ingredients with which to execute their cuisine, as they are accustomed to doing at home. Chronicle contributor Kate Thornberry and I were lucky enough to be guests at the French Bistro opening on Sunday, when the menu included baguettes and French butter, a luxurious cauliflower velouté, sea bream with carrots and fennel, and a choice of either seared scallops in meuniére sauce with quinoa and kale, or lamb stew with vegetables and puréed potatoes. There were wonderful wine pairings for each course, and a mousse caramel with candied Texas pecans on a sable breton for dessert.

This afternoon while Levitation France provides hourly indie and psych music programming, the pop-up bistro will offer a special menu of small plates in the $10-$20 price range. Take advantage of the glorious spring weather and enjoy yourself at the Legation just as Alphone Dubois intended

Levitation France
Wednesday, Mar. 18, 1-7pm
French Legation
802 San Marcos