A few times I've experienced food as a true expression, and at l'Orange Verte I experienced it once more.
Inside is well appointed and designed, the atmosphere was small without being cramped, serious without being stuffy or snobbish, and the decor is modern without being cold. The wine list is short, but both our glasses were excellent. Our waiter was very patient with our choppy French and even assisted in English when he could. His service was excellent and friendly, and poking his head out to wave goodbye when he left and we were still sitting and enjoying the experience.
We each ordered the menu (or formula as I've seen it called other places, but here it was just menu: entree, plat, and dessert) and it was indeed a bargain compared to the a la cart prices.
First thing out was basically a tuna bruschetta, with a terrific smokey flavor. This was un-ordered, and must be a house staple, I saw it arrive at other tables too.
Appetizer/salads were melon jambon au pay (cured ham) and avocado tartare. Melon and ham are apparently a traditional pairing, and I rather enjoyed it. My single taste of the avocado told me it was dang good too.
Entrees were beef and mashed potatoes in a red wine reduction and marlin on rice with zucchini and carrot. Both were just excellent. The beef and fish were cooked perfectly (rare for the beef). Sauces were excellent in form and flavor.
Dessert was a traditional cheese platter and soufflé d'orange (containing orange zest and Gran Marnier). These cheeses were to be expected, it's Paris, though the blue was exceptionally creamy, with a texture like butter. The highlight was the soufflé, a craftwork from the chef. It was everything a soufflé is supposed to be, light and creamy with just enough texture, a kiss of sweetness and the orange was perfectly balanced.
It was a most lovely dining experience, a confluence of flavors and techniques (as the website indicates). I definitely recommend. read more