Ortolan

Frommer's Review

Named after a small bird that's been savored to near extinction by French gourmands (and now an outlawed delicacy), this wonderful restaurant is a partnership between former L'Orangerie chef Christophe Emé and Jeri Ryan, the stunning Boston Public actress. The restaurant is cleverly designed into four separate sections to match your mood: a glamorous main dining room with creamy leather booths, matching velvet curtains, and crystal chandeliers; a smaller, more rustic dining room with Pennsylvania barn-plank flooring and a long communal table where patrons dine family style; a small, dimly lit bar replete with dark woods, potted herbs, and a pewter bar top; and a cozy fireplace lounge for small dinner parties or romancing couples. Emé's sophisticated French cuisine is cleverly arranged as well: bread dippings arrive in a trio of test tubes; John Dory is served on a hot river stone; dessert arrives in baby ice-cream cones. His most popular dishes include crispy langoustines with a shot of minestrone, a superb lamb pastilla wrapped in phyllo and served in thick slices, and the most tender squab I've ever tasted. For dessert, the melting chocolate cake with pralines. Tip: If you don't have a reservation, join the dinner party at the enormous communal table or find a spot in the fireside lounge.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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