BRING ON THE BOUILLABASSE!
We love France and we love South Coast Plaza’s Marché Moderne, so what better way to celebrate Bastille Day than by savoring a true Marseillaise-style bouillabaisse. Served for only eight nights (from July 12-19), this celebrated seafood stew from the South of France really does feature fish caught off the coast of Nice, Marseilles and Toulon and air-shipped to the restaurant for next day delivery.
Chef-owner Florent Marneau’s bouillabasse is made with rouget, Saint Pierre, dorade grise, rascasse and sèche, plus octopus, scallops, mussels, clams and shrimp. Seafood may change from day to day depending on the catch. This regional specialty also contains fennel, potato and tomate rôti and is finished with an aromatic broth.Chef's accompaniments served on the side are rouille, croutons, basil-scented tomato tartare, fennel pollen emulsion, lemon-garlic emulsion and tapenade. The special is priced at $50 and is available at dinner only.
In keeping with the French theme, apéritifs of Dubonnet, Pernod, Ricard, Cardinal and Kir vin blanc are featured as well for the annual French freedom holiday. Château Saint-Martin Rosé de Provence ($13) is a recommended pairing with Bouillabaisse.
Marché Moderne, The Penthouse at South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.434.7900, http://www.marchemoderne.net/
