Ortolan, in Photos

[kevin h]

I had heard some good things about Ortolan on Chowhound, so we decided to go a couple weeks back. Naturally, we chose the most elaborate menu option available, the Chef's Autumn Menu:

Amuse Bouche: Cauliflower and Pesto Soups
1: Macaron of Foie Gras Confit with Quince Gelée
2: Heirloom Tomato in Five Ways
3: Egg and Caviar Cooked in Hot Ash
4: Langoustine Ravioli
5: Roast Scallop with Ricotta Ravioli
6: Smoked Sea Bass with Turnip
7: Roast Venison Medallion with Chestnut
8: Cheese Plate
Pre-Dessert: Plum Sorbet
9: Panna Cotta
10: Chocolate / Opera
Mignardises

Overall, I thought Ortolan served me some of the most inspired French I've had in the city. It's deserving of its newly-awarded Michelin star in my opinion. With time, I could see two stars in Chef Émé's future.

On a side note, I actually went before the Michelin results were officially announced, but already the local news crew was there shooting a story about the restaurant's win. In fact, one of our servers was kind enough to spill the beans about the other winners early.

Full photos and details here: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fus...

[J.L.]

Great write-up Kevin H... Ortolan is one of may favorite places currently.

BUT you left without taking the requisite photo with Jeri Ryan! You know you have to go back now, right?

[kevin h]

Unfortunately she wasn't working the front of the house when I was there, or else I would have!

[rameniac]

how much was this per person with the wine pairings?

[kevin h]

The menu was $125. I believe wine pairings added another $65.

[rameniac]

that seems pretty reasonable. it looks comparable to the chef's tasting menu at providence, minus all the foam. i'll probably have to give it a try the next time i'm in the mood for big white plates and tiny bites of food. though rare, it does happen every now and then!

[modernist]

the signature says "merci et a bientot"
thanks and bye bye!

too bad they dont serve ortolan! which i had in hangzhou china last year (illegally)...

[kevin h]

I actually asked about serving ortolan while I was there. I'm not sure if it's legal in the US. I know that the bird isn't endangered outside of France.

[marlane]

Nice review. I enjoyed looking at your blog.

[Servorg]

Great review, as always. One question. Was the restaurant really as empty as it looks in your photos? If so that is pretty alarming.

[Sgee]

It was only about 1/3 filled when I was there on a Saturday evening. Very puzzling why they don't do more business.

[kevin h]

Most of those decor photos were taken at the end of the night, when we were the last ones in the restaurant. But even when we arrived, it wasn't full.

[russkar]

Great Review!
We have always enjoyed Chris's food but the Ortolan Corkage policy is one of the reasons it's not on our regular radar.

[choctastic]

Thanks for the nice pics. That one thing that you ask about says merci et a bientot.

[Sgee]

One of the reasons I like Ortolan in how the various flavors complement each other on the plate. No sudden jarring or overly contrasting flavors. Reasons why I'm not keen on the Providence / Water Grill style of cooking.

[hrhboo]

Beautiful review, thank you! Ortolan is one of my favorites.

[New Trial]

I concur. I hope the star helps Ortolan draw the crowd it deserves.

[thomtompkins]

Ive never been to Ortolan and from this thread, I guess I better stop putting it off. Thanks everyone.

Thom

[Sgee]

Happy to report that the one star appears to have helped their business, restaurant was about 3/4 full over the course of the evening this past Saturday.

Service though was weak, think they are still staffed to support to a smaller dinner crowd.