For those who remember the late, great
La Bouillabaisse, chef Neil Ganic’s French bistro that opened
in 1993 and closed in 2003, you’ll be happy to hear that Ganic
is back with the sequel.
Like its predecessor, which was one of the restaurants that helped
ignite Atlantic Avenue’s revival, he’s picked another burgeoning
restaurant area, the Columbia Street Waterfront District, for
his latest bistro. And following a recent trend among cafes choosing
numerical names, he’s calling it Bouillabaisse 126 after its
address, 126 Union St.
The new digs are more polished than the original’s salon-cum-bistro,
with rustic brick alternating with vintage papered walls, art
deco light fixtures and striped banquettes. Now that the weather
has warmed up, you can dine in the cafe’s garden too.
Thankfully, the menu hasn’t changed much. You’ll find the chef’s
trademark saffron-tinged bouillabaisse (French shellfish stew),
poached pear with Gorgonzola and justifiably adored crab cakes.
Carnivores are welcomed with coq au vin (chicken in wine), lamb
shank and pan-seared filet mignon. Desserts range from homey
rice pudding, bread pudding with currants and tarte Tatin (French
apple tart), to bittersweet chocolate souffle and a dense cappuccino
chocolate cake.
On Monday evenings, Ganic invites diners to bring their own booze.
Merci.
Bouillabaisse 126 (126 Union St. at Columbia Street in the Columbia
Street Waterfront District) accepts MasterCard and Visa. Entrees:
$10-$19. The restaurant serves dinner daily and brunch on Saturdays
and Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm. For reservations and more information,
call (718) 855-4405.
