Orsay
1057 Lexington Avenue
I initially rationalized being seated in the Siberia section of Orsay as an attempt on the part of management to balance the numbers among the wait staff. Yet, I suspect that Ed and I were placed on the periphery because we were listed as Restaurant Week patrons. We did not get to see much of the authentic, beautiful Parisian-style main dining room which was somewhat empty when we arrived.
Our engaging waiter saved the day or at least the meal. The reasonably-priced house white Bordeaux was quite good and far superior to what one would expect from house wines. Gratefully, Orsay has its act together by ensuring that their delicious bread was replenished throughout the meal. We decided to order from the regular menu. Our shared appetizer of endive salad with Roquefort and walnuts looked like delicatessen cole slaw and was presented in bowls that were way too large. Bouillabaisse was the special of the day, and although the stew was tasty, both the quantity and selection of fish was limited. Ed’s dish of grilled scallops and asparagus was bland and was presented on an oversized plate that accentuated the inadequate size of the portion.
Alas, the frothy well-prepared cappuccino was placed on the table that was still covered with remnants of our dinner. As we exited through the packed main dining room, we realized that we did not want to belong.