LOCAL

Free fries, soccer and Bastille Day; it's a weekend to celebrate all things French

Ashley Collins
Naples
People celebrate on the Champs Elysees avenue, with the Arc de Triomphe in background, after the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup, Tuesday, July 10, 2018 in Paris. France advanced to the World Cup final for the first time since 2006 with a 1-0 win over Belgium on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Grab some fries, watch soccer and celebrate France because this weekend is all about the French. 

Friday is National French Fry Day, and various local restaurants are offering savory deals.

On Saturday, local French eateries will celebrate Bastille Day, also known as the national day of France, before the country's soccer team faces off against Croatia in the World Cup final Sunday. 

So cheer on your favorite team, break your diet and celebrate the French way right here in Southwest Florida. 

More:French restaurants in Naples celebrating Bastille Day

National French Fry Day — Friday 

The french fry might not descend from France, but that doesn't mean the favorite American side dish can't be honored during a weekend that seems to be all about France. Here are some places across Southwest Florida serving up mouth-watering deals. 

► BurgerFi

In honor of National French Fry Day on Friday, July 13, Naples BurgerFi is offering guests a free order of its regular hand-cut fries with any purchase on this day only from open to close.

Locations in Naples are offering guests a free order of its regular hand-cut fries with any purchase on this day only from open to close. Guests must mention the offer at the counter to get the free fries. The offer is valid in store at participating locations only. For the nearest location, see burgerfi.com.

► Bite Squad

The national restaurant food delivery service will celebrate National French Fry Day with the possibility of more free fries. The one-day-only promotion provides users $5 off delivery orders of $20 or more to go toward the purchase of any fry item on the menu of available restaurant partners. All markets that Bite Squad serves are participating in the Free Fry-Day promotion. For a listing of available restaurants, customers can visit bitesquad.com.

► McDonald's

Place an order on McDonald's mobile app for $1 or more and receive a free medium order of fries.

More:Brooks Burgers in Naples makes TripAdvisor's list of top 10 burger restaurants in U.S.

► Burger King

With a coupon in the restaurant's app, get two small orders of classic fries and two Original Chicken Sandwiches for $4.99.

► Dunkin' Donuts

The coffee chain isn't missing out on an opportunity to promote its latest creation: donut fries. The first 100 guests at 25 participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants across five U.S. markets will receive a free order from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. 

Although no Florida markets were chosen, patrons still can purchase the fries served in a special limited-edition fry box. 

► Taco Bell

Nacho fries return for a limited time. The fries with Mexican seasoning come with a side of nacho cheese dipping sauce.

France players celebrate their victory after the the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Bastille Day — Saturday

If you're French or just love the country's cuisine, celebrate the national day of France at these French restaurants in Naples. 

► Chez Boet will celebrate 229 years of the Franco-American friendship by featuring $8 small plates and $8 glasses of wine from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Bar Salon or on the terrace at 755 12th Ave. S. at Crayton Cove in Naples. Diners may choose from special $20 small estate wines by the bottle in limited quantities with a minimum purchase of two dinner entrees in the dining room all evening. For reservations call 239-643-6177 or go to chezboetnaples.com.

► Bistro La Baguette, 3560 U.S. 41 E., East Naples, has a Dinner Buffet Champetre for $34.50 per person, which includes a glass of wine; or $39.95 per person with a bottle of wine to share per couple. The celebration will start at 6:30 p.m. For reservations, call 239-403-7861.

More:The 26 restaurants in Naples, Fort Myers that earned awards for best wine lists

► Bleu Provence, 1234 Eighth St. S., Naples, celebrates Bastille Day from 5 p.m. to close with a three-course dinner menu for $50. Only the prix fixe menu will be available that night. Entrees include a choice of Wagyu top sirloin steak with puffed potatoes with cheese, caramelized onions and Périgourdine sauce; Chilean sea bass with taboulé and a red pepper citrus sauce; and black cod gratin with ricotta, spinach, gnocchi and Parmesan. For reservations call  239-261-8239 or see bleuporovence.com.

The French Brasserie Rustique is one of many fine dining restaurants located along Fifth Avenue South. A brasserie in France is a restaurant with beer and local wines, and may range from a bar to a fine-dining establishment. The French is run by chef Vincenzo Betulia, who also operates Osteria Tulia and Bar Tulia which are located on Fifth Avenue South.

► The French Brasserie Rustique, 365 Fifth Ave. S., Naples, will host a Bastille Day celebration with festive balloons, music and half-off all Champagne and wine orders less than $200. For reservations call 239-315-4019 or see TheFrenchNaples.com.

► L’Auberge Restaurant, 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., unit 116, North Naples, is hosting the Alliance Française de Naples for its annual celebration of Bastille Day. The cash bar opens at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $40 per member and $45 per nonmember (tax and gratuity included). For course selections, go to afnaples.org. Click on 2018 Events, print and complete the Reservation Form, and mail your check to be received no later than Thursday. For more information about Alliance Française de Naples, email afnaples@comcast.net.

World Cup Final — Sunday

On Sunday, France or Croatia will be crowned world champion. Venues across Southwest Florida will open an hour before the match's scheduled 11 a.m. start and offer food and drink specials throughout the day.

► The French Brasserie Rustique

Enjoy French food while rooting for either team. Reserve your spot by calling 239-315-4019 or visiting resy.com/cities/nps/the-french-brasserie-rustique. Where is The French? 365 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. Info: thefrenchnaples.com

► Gustitos Peruvian Bakery & Cafe

While Peru didn't make it to the finals you can still enjoy the country's fare while watching the match. Where is Gustitos? 5417 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples. Information: 239-254-8115

More:Famous dive in last France-Croatia World Cup match

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris celebrates with France head coach Didier Deschamps after their team advanced to the final after the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

► The Pub Naples

Food and drinks specials will be available during the match at The Pub, 9118 Strada Place in Mercato, North Naples. Information: 239-594-2748

► Timeless 

All day, patrons can enjoy fare from the happy hour menu, and receive one complimentary draft beer with the purchase of another. Where is Timeless? 90 U.S. 41 N., Naples. Call for reservations: 239-331-4325.

► The Brass Tap 

Two locations — in North Naples and Estero — will televise the match. Where is The Brass Tap? North Naples, 895 Wiggins Pass Road; Estero, 23111 Fashion Drive, Coconut Point mall. Information: www.brasstapbeerbar.com/default.aspx

► Felipe's Mexican Taqueria

During the match, Felipe's is offering a brunch menu (egg and chorizo breakfast plate, taco or burrito) and drink specials like Kahlua and coffee and bloody Maria.  Felipe's is at 4255 U.S. 41 N., Naples Info: Follow on Facebook, www.facebook.com/events/192757814685885/

France's Antoine Griezmann celebrates at the end of the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

► United Ale House

If you're in Fort Myers, visit this British pub for the match. The United Ale House is at 2236 First St., Fort Myers. Information: www.facebook.com/unitedalehouse/

► GameTime

Enjoy food and drink specials and giveaways at the family entertainment center. Where is GameTime? 10037 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers (Gulf Coast Town Center) Information: Visit www.gametimeplayers.com/world-soccer-cup-2018 to see schedule.

More:Where to watch the World Cup in Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral

► Cafe Brazil Restaurant 

Watch the match while enjoying Brazilian food. Where is Cafe Brazil? 3940 Metro Pkwy., Ste. 111-112, Fort Myers. Info: Follow on Facebook, Cafe Brazil

► Pelican Larry's Raw Bar & Grill

Watch the World Cup at Larry's surrounded by more than 50 TVs. Larry's three Naples locations: 1046 Pine Ridge Rd.;  7785 Davis Blvd.; and 8855 Immokalee Rd. Information: www.PelicanLarrys.com

'In the Know' columnist Tim Aten contributed to this report.

Players of Croatia celebrate after the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)