665525 Sat Nov 07 23:24:30 -0800 2009 0 37 Australia/New Zealand 0 5164535 Hi all, After reading a number of write ups on Bistro Ortolan we made our way there on friday night. After a good martini we opted for the degustation menu and so started 3 hours of indulgence. Our menu was much like the tasting menu that other people have reported, so there's no need to go into detail. There's some serious cooking here with excellent ingredients, but I think the diner gets batted into submission without getting to taste the distinctive flavours or understand an ethos behind the cuisine. The loin of venison with quinelle of wild mushrooms, bone marrow gnocchi, cafe de paris croquette, skinned tomato, white asparagus and celeriac puree kind of summed up the meal - a little less would have gone a long way. We had an enjoyable evening and it seems a little harsh to criticize the gluttony when you've ordered the tasting menu, but in my mind for this restaurant to be considered great, it needs a little more restraint and confidence. Having said that if you want a seriously indulgent meal this is good value for money happy eating photos: www.foodmiles.wordpress.com Sat Nov 07 23:24:30 -0800 2009 216695 fergal76