Inside Hubert Keller’s Haute Bastille Day Celebration

Photo Credit: Denise Paulson

Celebrity chef Hubert Keller may have closed his beloved San Francisco restaurant Fleur de Lys a year ago—after 28 years in business—but the Frenchman’s popularity hasn’t diminished. That was evident on Bastille Day when revelers gobbled up his and Gaspar Brasserie executive chef Chris Jones‘ scrumptious four-course Bastille Day menu then danced the night away at haute spot Hawthorn, where Keller took over deejaying duties after 11 p.m. and put on a Michelin-worthy performance.

Dancing to Keller’s tunes was a good way for those who overindulged to work off the La Fête Nationale feast. The lively evening began with a Veuve Clicquot-fueled welcome reception on the top level of Gaspar Brasserie, where guests also enjoyed cocktails, oysters, foie gras and other hors d’oeuvres along with live music and entertainment.

Photo Credit: Facebook/GasparBrasserie

After guests sat down for the extravagant meal, Foodie Chap Liam Mayclem introduced the chefs. The two culinary talents alternated their offerings, which were paired with French wines. Keller handled the first course: Duck Confit, Duck Ham, Ris de Veau Terrine with black chanterelles, pistachios and homemade pretzel buns, paired with Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne. Jones’ second course of Niçoise Olive-Crusted King Salmon with Provençal vegetable paysanne and picholine olive sauce was served with Bouchard Pommard, Burgundy, 2009. For the third course, Keller whipped up Slowly Braised Wagyu Beef Cheeks with red wine, lemongrass and ginger infusion, which was paired with Equis Cornas, Northern Rhone, 2011. The final course—Vacherin of Summer Berries with mango cream and candied nuts—went well with the Grand Montmirail Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, 2012, that was poured. A French meal isn’t complete without petit fours [Jones did the honors] and Madeleines [Keller’s].

Diners, carrying the gift bags provided by Benefit Cosmetics and Veuve Clicquot, then walked a couple of blocks to Hawthorn, where sexy Marie Antoinettes eagerly posed for photos with guests. More Veuve Clicquot flowed as this memorable Bastille Day celebration continued late into the night with Keller, his silver mane pulled into a ponytail, partying like a rock star. A portion of the proceeds from the night will be donated to Ecole Notre Dame des Victoires. Remember, Fleur de Lys may be gone but Keller still has Fleur in Las Vegas and Burger Bar in San Francisco, Las Vegas and Beijing.

Photo Credit: Kelly E. Carter