Comments on: French 75 Bistro, Burbank — a Parisian wannabe

By: Eileen

Eileen — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 20:40:00 +0000

I had a similar experience at French 75. I’d give an A to the service, but the food was just ok. I ordered the skirt steak which was a huge mistake. I’ve never had a piece of steak this tough. The flavor was great, but who wants to eat a tasty piece of rubber? My friend had the lamb chops and he was kind enough to share his with me. It was tasty, but I felt the dish was pricey for what you got. We also ordered a plate of mussels, which again was tasty, but not much in size for the money. Seemed like there were more shells than fish. The best thing about the night was the dessert. We ordered the chocolate souffle. It was one of the best I’ve had. My recommendation is to skip the dinner and go there for dessert!

By: MaxMillion

MaxMillion — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 05:26:02 +0000

Is there an echo in here?!? lol!

By: Love Hate

Love Hate — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:22:41 +0000

Wow, I wandered in and it was like you said, the maitre d’ was really nice and seated me like I was a regular. I couldn’t tell if the French spelling was right but from the soup on down to the salmon entree, everything was superb! I think there was a lot of complexity to every dish. Now I know why the French take such time eating, its because when you savor every bite and really ‘listen’ to the dishes you can detect several layers of flavour. Bravo on the comprehensive review, Max. I have a new favorite in the Valley.

By: yoony

yoony — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:40:57 +0000

$100/person sounds expensive for so-so bistro food. thanks for your post. i’ll probably hit this place up just for the bubbly hour then.

By: PoetKitty

PoetKitty — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 23:25:27 +0000

I feel like I’ve been immortalized by a deity - thanks for the props, MaxMill, you are magnifique! And the French Bistro review rocks - I needed some hardcore advice on this one. Blessings :)

By: H.C.

H.C. — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:44:21 +0000

Oh the guy I was thinking about (Francois Meteigner) goes way back at L’Orangerie… he was there from 1980-1990 (from La Cachette’s Website)

By: MaxMillion

MaxMillion — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 17:30:28 +0000

^ You make a good point about L’Orangerie winding down. We dined there when Chrisophe Eme was at the helm (two years ago) and that was a magnificent meal. A year later, it was a different chef. (Perhaps the one you said was now at La Cachette? I don’t know his/her name.)

But L’Orangerie’s wonderfully sweet and welcoming maitre’d, Stephane, followed Eme to his own place, Ortolan, which offers fine haute cuisine. We had an excellent meal there and intend to dine there for Christmas eve.

But the space — L’Orangerie is one of the most exquisitely beautiful and comfortable restaurants in town.

At the very least, try to visit before it closes, have a glass of champagne or two and sample their signature dish — two eggs stuffed with oestra caviar ($39). You will not be disappointed.

By: H. C.

H. C. — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 08:25:13 +0000

I heard L’Orangerie is not as good now everything’s wrapping up and a good portion of staff have already left (and I’m sure the rest got wandering eyes) - also, the exec. chef of L’Orangerie at its prime is now at La Cachette - relatively cheaper.

Anyways, I had a lukewarm experience at Chat Noir (same restaurant group @ F75) — more so due to bad service than bad food:
http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com/2006/11/foodventure-10-chat-noir-costa-mesa.html

And I still have a David Wilhelm gift card!!! Hopefully Chimayo will fare better ~

By: sneakypeteiii

sneakypeteiii — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 23:11:53 +0000

Shoot! Thanks for the heads up, MaxMillion. I will try to visit both French 75 and L’Orangerie soon.

By: MaxMillion

MaxMillion — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 21:52:12 +0000

^ Ya know, that’s a very good question. I think the main reason for my disappointment was that I hadn’t eaten duck for a while. I’ve had a few memorable duck dinners in Paris (!), particularly at Aux Fins Gourmets, on Blvd St-Germain…

But here in LA? Le Petit Jacques in Sherman Oaks has tender medallions of roasted duck breast with butternut squash puree. Excellent.

Several years ago we went out to the Saddle Peak Lodge and I ordered the venison, but wished I’d gone for the duck (I sampled Ash’s meal), as it was truly superb.

I have a feeling Pinot Bistro do a decent duck, but I’m a bit hazy. At the Wine Bistro in Studio City, not so good…

I’m pretty sure I’ve also had duck at L’Orangerie and that it was wonderful there, too. It’s just that the last two times we went, over a year ago, we ordered the fabulous Langoustines.

NOTA BENE — LA’s French institution, L’Orangerie, is due to close by the end of the year, so do visit while you still can.

Fabulous fine fare, gorgeous decore and very welcoming.