05/14/09

Haute Cuisine at Its Best

by meghanbell

We have been hitting the food scene in LA for many years now and were thrilled to find the exuctive chef from L'Orangerie, Christophe Eme, had opened his own gem on 3rd street. The staff aresuperb-French service without being pretentious or overly intrusive. The amuse bouche of soup and eggplant caviar were lovely and a great way to kick off the meal. On our first visit, we went with the 10 course tasting menu and wine pairing and were not dissappointed. The wines were an excellent compliment to every course. We were even more touched that the Chef, Christophe, came out and greeted us and spoke with us. He was charming and it really made us feel welcome and happy to be there. It is part of the reason we continue to come back-he adds a personal touch to every thing and you feel like you are an appreciated customer and diner rather than just another check on the table.

We have since returned many times and have always had a great meal and experience-be it Valentine's Day, a birthday, or just a Wednesday evening having a small bite to eat at the bar. While this restaurant is incredibly romantic, we have had many fun filled family meals or business dinners here as well as drinks and nibbles with friends. The atmosphere lends itself to all sorts of different occasions.

I highly recommend the short ribs-they beat Daniel Boulud's by a long shot. The egg with caviar is not to be missed. Chef Eme's classic fois gras terrine is also a great way to start a meal. I for one, am a huge fan of all he does with his desserts. The souffle is always a good bet, but the seasonal desserts, like the current one, Rhubarb and Raspberry, is to die for.

The staff are lovely and work hard to let you know that you are guests. The sommelier is very knowledgeable, with vast experience-don't let his boyish looks fool you. He is truly an expert. We often put our wine choices in his capable hands.

We can't recommend Ortolan enough!

• Pros: Cuisine, staff, atmosphere, location
• Cons: None

03/24/09

Favorite fancy (and relaxed) dinner spot in town.

by RSP

I've been to Ortolan several times over the last two years and it never disappoints. My dining companions and I always go for one of the tasting menus (6 or 9 course) which are delightful haute cuisine and we usually do the wine pairings too. The menu changes seasonally but the mainstays are always somewhere to be found: some wonderful variation on foie gras as well as chef Eme's soft cooked egg (one of my favorite things), served in the shell with caviar and whipped cream mixed in with the egg (served with a demi-tasse to scoop out every last bit).

On my latest visit the chef graciously adjusted the tasting menu to better pair with some very old, special wines we brought (the cork fee is $25 per bottle, up to two bottles). He added a pork belly confit that was heavenly and short ribs that fell apart when my fork touched them. Eme's signature dessert is a custard topped with 'caviar' size pearls of fruit gelee served in a caviar tin--so fun and always super delicious.

The main dining room is a confection! Gorgeous off-white, high-back banquettes line the room and small chandeliers hang over each table. The room is fancy and inviting and the light is very warm. The floors look like old reclaimed wood so the contrast is wonderful.

The smaller, second dining room just off the main room, looks like an old wine cellar with its brick walls and wood floors. This is a great room for larger parties of 4-8 people.

Deeper into the restaurant is a cozy, dark bar, one wall lined with herbs -- it has a lovely earthy feel to the room and dinner guests often drift to the bar for a short break between courses. An extension of the bar is a lounge room with a large velvet couch and chairs next to a large fireplace. This is a great spot for drinks and dessert if you just want to stop by and check the place out.

• Pros: Perfect service, spot on coursing and food/wine pairings.
• Cons: It's pricey and worth every penny.

10/17/08

Ortolan is Awful - way too full of itself to be good anymore

by apatron1234

I have been to the finest restaurants in France and...This place was awful - We went to Ortolan when it first opened, was nice- We ate there a month ago and it had changed- The menu hasn't changed one bit in 2 years but, the staff and the attitude has. The waiters don't speak English well and can't explain the complex dishes- The portions are so small as to be obscene- The cheese plate includes 3 "TINY" pieces of cheese - so thin as to be translucent- I kid you not. When I mentioned this to the waiter - he told me - "Oh I can be generous" I will give you an extra piece ? Can you Imagine? Christopher Eme comes out and saunters around the dining room and waits for people to tell him how wonderful it is- but, is not actually interested in feedback- I have written to the restaurant directly and received no reply. And all this for only $300. maybe that?s why Michelin guide only awards it one star

• Pros: nice setting if you don't mind the power going on and off all evening
• Cons: too many to list