Bastille, in Alexandria, is Moving

When Chefs Christophe & Michelle Poteaux opened Bastille in 2006, they brought their vision of a casual upscale bistro to life literally by their bare hands.  Since that time, the restaurant has gone through significant cosmetic improvements as well as refinements in the menu.  The Chefs Poteaux continuously stuck to their philosophy offering high quality, all housemade, locally sourced meals with an outstanding wine list within a reasonable price range.
 
Over the years, Bastille restaurant has garnered many excellent reviews, such as Washingtonian, Washington Post, The Examiner, Northern Virginia Magazine, and many awards and nominations from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington for their yearly Rammy awards, Wine Spectator and Santé Magazine, to name a few.
 
After 8 years, it’s time to take the intimate 45-seat restaurant to a new home, offering an expanded menu and services, such as private dining, a larger dining room and a much larger full bar for guests to enjoy.  
 
Now there will be two Poteaux locales in Alexandria to love.
 
The 1201 N. Royal street, original Bastille location, will not go away—the name will be changed to Bistro Royal, a nod toward its address, the chic Palais Royal neighborhood of Paris near the Louvre—a classic area that has changed little since the 17th century and is rooted in traditon.  The little Alexandria mainstay will remain as a casual restaurant—serving classic, simple bistro fare with a simplified menu and wine list.   
 
In contrast, the new Bastille, located at The Asher, on the corner of Pendleton and Fayette Streets (just blocks from the Braddock Metro and 5 blocks from King Street) symbolizes a change of times and ideas; a place that has evolved while keeping its popular roots.  With 3500 square feet of space with a dining capacity of 80; a large patio with 40 seats and a bar that seats 20, and a private dining area, with free underground and ample free street parking.  The décor will be based on the former property—featuring dark woods and rich fabrics remeniscent of the classic Parisian bistros of Christophe’s youth.   A semi open kitchen and wine display allows diners to witness the chefs at work as well as focus on the wine-centric menu.   Mark Slater will continue to be Beverage Director/Sommelier, overseeing both locations.  Bastille will feature the same progressive French-inspired cuisine with contemporary twists, featuring products from local purveyors/growers.
 
Bastille’s new location in The Asher and the new Bistro Royal are expected to debut in early 2015.