orsay

So last night my husband and I had 8 pm reservations at Orsay for our 5-year anniversary.

We enjoyed a cocktail at the bar first. Our bartender Jackson was friendly, quick and easy to talk to. Best of all, he made a great drink! I had a Bellini and a Pear Martini and Brett had a Classic Manhattan. This was our second time to Orsay - we were there one time before during the soft opening. Both times he has sworn they make the best Manhattan in town, hands-down.

The restaurant was full but not packed and we were seated on time for our reservation at a nice, private table. For appetizers, we had the Marinated Calamari and Hudson Valley Foie Gras. The Calamari was served cold seafood salad style with diced tomatoes and olives in a very light Italian-type dressing. It was really tasty and refreshing. Think Bruschetta without the bread. This was about the 4th or 5th time I have had Foie Gras (duck liver) and each time it has been served differently. My husband mentioned that Orsay's taste almost like breakfast and I have to agree. It was served with a slightly sweet homemade bread (they call brioche) and roasted pears. Overall, the dish was great, I think I have just come to the conclusion I am not a huge Foie Gras fan. And for $22 there are other appetizers I would love to try. It doesn't make sense to spend that much on something I am luke warm about - but I had to see what Orsay had to offer on this popular dish.

For entrees, we had Braised Duck Leg served with white beans and Andouille Sausage and Filet Mignon served with Asparagus and Mashed Potatoes. The Duck was amazing, super tender. Some people may be taken a back at the fact that there are a lot of beans and only about 5 oz. of meat... but anyone who orders duck frequently knows that you will get a small portion. My Filet Mignon was also wonderful and cooked to a perfect medium rare. The asparagus were flavorful and prepared just right - sometimes they can be a little on the crunchy and stem-y (Is that a word?) side.

I almost forgot to mention, our waitress Natalie was excellent. Best service ever, she was helpful, friendly and didn't rush us.

I give Orsay an A+. For just two entrees you are looking at $60 + tip, not including appetizers and drinks. So while it was wonderful, it will only be a place we visit on special occasions as we did last night.

For another review on Orsay, please visit Jacksonville Confidential.