Orsay. A Dining Experience.

[Metro Jacksonville]

Orsay.  A Dining Experience.



Guest Gastronomist Cari Sanchez-Potter reviews Restaurant Orsay, the glittering dining jewel of Avondale, created by Jonathan Insetta.

Says Cari: One initial observation is that Jax-ites are self-conscious about their dining scene. When they hear that I?ve lived in and traveled to a bunch of places, they feel obliged to apologetically explain that I won?t find anything in Jax that compares to bigger cities. They especially refer to an alleged lack of authentic ethnic options and quality high-end dining experiences. Well, I am wholeheartedly determined to prove them wrong and seek out the best, most authentic eating Jacksonville has to offer.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-jun-orsay-a-dining-experience

[viCARIous]

I honestly find myself comparing every other "fine" dining experience on the First Coast to Orsay... unlike other "fancy" places, Orsay is approachable and the service is always impeccable.  And for the atmosphere and level of quality you get, the prices are astoundingly reasonable.  I've never spoken to anyone who doesn't feel the same, and that's saying a lot for the oftentimes fickle and sometimes negative diners in Jacksonville.  There's something to please everyone here!  And yes, it can all be attributed to Crystal, Brian, and Jonathan.  They really know what they're doing and are always professional while retaining a sense of humor and passion for their work.

What a cool story about your personal connection to the place!

[RiversideJodi]

Their escargot / mushrooms are addicting!  Not to mention their French pear martinis.  :-)

[Kay]

Orsay has become my absolute favorite restaurant!  They have the best wines and unlike many restaurants, they chill their red wines.  My favorite menu items are the pork chop and chicken dishes.  They are both delicious.  I keep thinking I should try something else but these are so good.  The brunch is fabulous as well.

[iluvolives]

They fry their frites in duck fat...which pretty much makes them the best thing ever- plus the garlic aioli is amazing.

[viCARIous]

Oh Stephen you are missing out!  The frites are a must-try.

[Captain Zissou]

Great review Cari.  I've never had a bad dish at the place, but i wouldn't call it perfect either. 

Their beer selection is bizarre. While they have obviously done some research on the subject, I can't figure out why they chose what they did.  Their choices are not the best representations, even at those price points, of their style of beer.  The Jai Alai IPA is a step in the right direction, but the rest are sub par. 

I've also had a couple rude and condescending servers, but I'm a little younger than their average patron, so they may have thought I was a bit irreverent, which put them off.

[iluvolives]

They fry their frites in duck fat...which pretty much makes them the best thing ever- plus the garlic aioli is amazing.

seriously?  had no clue, and havent ever had the frites.  Im actually having a pavlovian response right now.

Be careful... you may want to try the steak and frites after you have experienced all other menu items- because once you've had it, you'll never be able to try something new without battling your craving for it.

[02roadking]

Celebrated my birthday dinner there in May. Roasted oysters, smallish, but tasty and well prepared. Carolina trout was spectacular. My friend had the bouillabaisse. She loved it and so did I. I want to go back.....soon.

[Dog Walker]

They fry their frites in duck fat...which pretty much makes them the best thing ever- plus the garlic aioli is amazing.

seriously?  had no clue, and havent ever had the frites.  Im actually having a pavlovian response right now.

Be careful... you may want to try the steak and frites after you have experienced all other menu items- because once you've had it, you'll never be able to try something new without battling your craving for it.

You could cook dirt in duck fat and it would be delicious.  It's many chef's secret ingredient.

Easy too.  Brine a duck for 12 hours.  Steam for 45 minutes which renders the fat out.  Butterfly and finish under a broiler or charcoal grill. Chill and store the rendered fat for use when sauteing.  Eat the duck. 

[fieldafm]

See what happens with all this streak frites talk... now Im going to have to go to Orsay sometime this week!!

[Ernest Street]

Explain to this culinary sophmore why most people don't like duck.
Most say it's too strong or "Gamey" tasting. Is Duck fat clarified?...I'm Curious.
I know the Ugly Muskovy has been said to be quite a tasty version of the duck...all the 1970's hunting magazines had ads selling Muskovy's for food..saying how they were less gamey tasting due to being raised like Chickens.

I've had to spit out lead shot from fresh killed ducks before..very hard to clean out when dressing....
(Thank GOD not teeth breaking steel shot!)

Anyway..any "Duck Taste" input here tonight?


So sorry Vegans...bad post for you. ...

[cybertique]

They try real hard, this place is just ok, come on, give me a break, what are these guys trying to accomplish here?   Tell me how many of you can actually afford a $200 dinner for 2, i suspect not many of you can.  This is what Orsay is all about, a very expensive  night out.  Dont be fooled by the diatribe of endless accolades for this overpriced dungeon of a restaurant.   Where is the objectivity here?   I suspect it is non-existent.

[David]

Defenders of Orsay unite! ::blows summoning horn::

[mtraininjax]

They try real hard, this place is just ok, come on, give me a break, what are these guys trying to accomplish here?   Tell me how many of you can actually afford a $200 dinner for 2, i suspect not many of you can.  This is what Orsay is all about, a very expensive  night out.  Dont be fooled by the diatribe of endless accolades for this overpriced dungeon of a restaurant.   Where is the objectivity here?   I suspect it is non-existent.

Who has a $200 dinner there? Geez, are you ordering $100 wine? Probably. You can get there from 4-7 happy hour, they have specials on appetizers during this time as well. When we go, we get the special champagne from Elijah or John in back as well as apps and we split the Croque madame, that is plenty for us, with some frites, we may walk out spending 90 bucks, after we tip Elijah and our servers some good well deserved coin for all they do. We have never had a bad experience with staff or personnel. But if you don't like it, fine, go somewhere else, means more for me and my wife! We love it!