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' Ortolan ' - Anyone?!

Has anyone tried out this new mini-size Bistro yet? Is the food really that good and deserve the near perfect ratings given by some food critics? Lambs heart and sweetbread appertizer sounds interesting!

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    1. The name makes me cringe a bit. I'm not eating that tiny little bird! ;-)

      7 Replies
      1. re: JennaBean

        Had those 'little birds' in France a couple of times in the early 90's. Skewered whole and roasted in a rotisserie. One of the best 'delicacies' I've eaten. Better strill was the Chinese version where Chinese chefs took 'corn sparrows', prepare them like Cantonese roasted duck and B-B-Q them over charcoal!

        1. re: Charles Yu

          I live in the neighborhood and have gone back quite a few times. I like it more and more each time I go. They make really fantastic food. I haven't had one bad meal there.

          1. re: eatravel

            Reading about it now, I see mixed reviews related to portions and value. What is your opinion on this eatravel? Do you need to order many plates?

            1. re: justsayn

              With one drinker (me), my partner and I usually spend about $100, tax and tip inclusive. What we order can vary - the price per appetizer, pasta, protein or vegetable can vary and seem random - but it generally works out to be quite advantageous. The proteins used to come with nothing on the side, but have recently come with at least some kind of garnish or small side, so I think the value for money has improved. For two people you can end up having like six to seven different dishes (with a few glasses of wine for me), so I think the value is quite good.

              1. re: justsayn

                We went on the weekend and found it very reasonable. Two glasses of bubbly, a bottle of Ontario red, Socca (a chickpea crepe), whitefish with cherry tomatoes, osso bucco (wonderful bone marrow to slather on excellent bread) with green beans and potatoes, and lavender panna cotta. Not a huge feed but only $94 tax in. We arrived at 9 and closed the place at 11:30. We certainly never felt rushed and the pacing was perfect. We will definitely go back.

                1. re: ComerDemonio

                  What was the filling (if any) of the socca?

          1. The thing about Ortolan is that I'm afraid it won't last. The majority of hte menu is just a bit out of range for the neighbourhood's sense of bravery. The portions are really small and you pay about the same as you would at other restaurants of the same quality. My husband and I go a lot because we live in the neighbourhood and it's a great walk to and from home - the wine list is good, and so is the food. But they need to tone it down a little (less beff heart tartare etc) and make it a bit more accessible. I've noticed it's been easier and easier to get a table as the days go on.

            1 Reply
            1. re: Anita Nap

              went back a few weeks ago and the menu is toned down a bit. Definitely more francais than nose to tail and it was delish. Glad to see the change!

            2. Really enjoyed my meal there. Solid cooking, pretty good value too.

              Could be just me, but I had the feeling like the FOH and BOH staff were both passing the time by making fun of their customers. I know most places do anyway, but at least be decent enough to it behind our backs. :)

              1 Reply
              1. re: miketoronto

                "like the FOH and BOH staff were both passing the time by making fun of their customers."

                THAT IS PATHETIC