06/08/09

Rude, slow, mediocre

by NYCKim

I had the same experience as ny2nj .

Waited forever just to get a glass of water.

They acted as if we were bothering their leisurely afternoon.

There were only 2 people working the day I went, an apparent manager and a waiter.

There were no more then 5-6 tables, 2 of which were out on the sidewalk where we were. But service was bad.

Worst of all - at the end of the meal the manager took my food away without asking me whether I was done. There were only 2 bites remaining so I decided not to argue about it.

But then, while my friend and I were figuring out the bill and trying to decide who could break a twenty, he LITERALLY SNATCHED the money off of the table and took off down the block without a word. It felt like a robbery. When I yelled after him he turned towards us and gave us a dirty look while mocking us for making so much noise. We had been looking through our purses and had only a vague idea of how much money was on the table. He went inside and then popped his head through the window to show us the money. “Listen, you gave me $24!” I replied that no one gave him anything, he snatched it away. We took the money back and figured out our split – then WE split. Never to return.

They certainly go out of their way to perpetuate French stereotypes here.

SKIP IT.

• Pros: tasty sandwiches
• Cons: Arrogant and poorly trained staff and mgt

06/05/09

It's all in the food

by AndreaEmygride

L'Orange Bleue offers exactly what you wouldn't expect from a trendy bistro-style restaurant, full of tapered French-speaking waiters who glance your way as they chat and snicker - excellent food. The duck roll appetizer was well matched with a sweet dipping sauce, shrimp in garlic sauce was savory and tender - but the real treat was seasonal vegetables with couscous. Sounds simple - but there was nothing simple about the buttery, moist couscous that came to the table covered in a modest chicken-broth and vegetable stew. Once you've had couscous done right, you know what you've been missing. For an apperitif, skip the alcohol and try some Moroccan mint tea, poured from a huge silver show kettle into little shots. It's sweet, made with fresh mint leaves, and absolutely delicious. You won't even notice the catty waiters

• Pros: Food, Tea, Decor

06/05/09

Great Ambiance, Eclectic Food, Hospitable Service

by mmanahim

I was out roaming the streets with a friend when we got a little rumble in our tummies. We stumbled on this place and was checking out the outside menu when the owner came out and encouraged us with warm hospitality to come in from the cold to grab a bite to eat (guaranteeing that we'd love it... and we did). The decor was interesting and inviting. The music was ethnic, upbeat and groovey. Service was amazingly prompt; food was nicely presented and tasted great (reasonably priced too!).

Other patrons there ranged from a cute gay couple to a group of friends celebrating a birthday, and even a few other couples as well as a hip group of 5 hanging out enjoying time together.

At the end of our meal, we were presented with a couple of glasses of house dessert wine, on the house,made of pomegranate juice which was very nice.

I recommend this place to anyone wanting a hip new place to enjoy great food with great company.

• Pros: Not 2 crowded for a Tues night at dinner time; great deal

06/05/09

Positively Enchanting

by nikkisschiro

Unlike today's NYC norm, L'Orange Bleue, quick to become my favorite place to be, distinctly sets itself apart from the too-many rest. Enchanting, because upon entry your troubles are checked at the door and extra special for the people that fill the walls. Food is amazingly tasty and creative...North African flavors dominate the menu, but not exclusively. The service is magical, sparkling and eccentric like the place. "A" for ambiance, charismatic regulars, art all over the walls, and if you're lucky, musicians who stop in and unexpectedly start to play.

I don't know what it is about this town these days, but you go out, and it seems if it isn't "bling" exclusive, it's "bling" expensive and frankly, "bling" boring. Where is the creativity in this town? Where is the crazy nightlife with its international characters-- artists, musicians, bankers, accountants and temps under the same roof, laughing and singing to the music together? Where is the fun in this town? I've been around a bit.... and I?ll tell you--it's on the corner of Broome and Crosby!

• Pros: great staff, great service, great food--and FUN

05/04/09

Worst service I've ever received!!!

by ny2nj

A coworker and I came here for lunch a couple of weeks ago and wanted a table outside. There were two greeters/waiters who totally ignored us until we were about to walk away. That's when one of them finally motioned us toward a table.

We sat down for literally 15 minutes before we had to ASK if someone would take our order. One of the guys said yes and went inside, then came back out and just stood there with his pen poised over his pad. As soon as we each told him what we wanted, he walked inside without even asking us if we'd like something to drink. He came back out about five minutes later to ask my friend to remind him of what she ordered. She told him, and then we asked for water. He came back and just slammed the waters down on the table.

Then we waited a full 20 minutes for our food, when people who had sat down after us were already being served! We would have left, but at this point we were starving and didn't have time to go somewhere else, as we needed to get back to work. We tried several times to ask about our food, but both waiters kept whizzing by us without giving us a chance to speak.

When our food finally came, it was definitely NOT worth the wait. It tasted average, yet it was overpriced. We ate and of course had to flag the waiter down for our check. He just dropped it onto the table without even thanking us or saying a word to us.

Needless to say, we are NEVER going back to L'Orange Bleue again!!! What we thought would be a pleasant lunch outside became the worst dining experience each of us has ever had. I have never in my life had such a rude waiter, who acted is if we were inconveniencing him by asking him to do his job. There are so many amazing restaurants in SoHo. Do NOT waste your money here!

• Pros: Nothing
• Cons: Terrible service!!!

02/09/09

Go for the live music

by lejam

Nice atmosphere and people. Live drums on Monday nights (very entertaining). I had the chicken tangine and I really can't say that I loved it. My boyfriend had the beef dish, which was much better. Price reasonable.

02/07/09

I heart L'orange Bleue...

by hubriis

I heart L'orange Bleue...just don't ask me to pronounce it after I've had my Mimosa at brunch. A friend and I were out window-shopping in Soho and after hearing our respective stomachs grumbling for a stretch decided to give this place a try. Best. Decision. Ever.

We couldn't decide between sweet of savory for brunch so we decided on one of each and an appetizer to start. Our meal began with Cigares Maroccains (Moroccan spiced spring rolls stuffed with shrimp, beef and veggies)...holy cannoli, we were almost brought to fisticuffs over the last one; yes, they were THAT good. Utter Moroccan love.

Our mains arrived; I ordered the Pain perdu (orange flower "Balthazar Bakery" brioche French toast with fresh fruit and vanilla sauce) and my friend ordered the Croque Monsieur. Both were quite good, but the star of the morning were the spring rolls.

I would love to come back and try dinner....looking forward to it!

12/18/08

C'est Magnifique!

by phoenixstarr

A+! With quite possibly the finest grilled sardines and shrimp anywhere in NYC, this place is a winner. Great spinach, authentically prepared tangines, music from Franco-Africa and speedy, personal service. Skip the French-america fare (steak frites) and venture into the Moroccan. Its hard to go wrong with any of the tapas, tangines or pastas (strangely) here.

• Pros: delicious food, great service, sexxy environment

09/28/08

Frenchship

by ritzgirl21

French Food in a fun environment of singing waiters, belly dancers and tiramisu with a sparkler that makes for an exciting Birthday party. The escargot was dead on, as were the pasta dishes and yellow fin tuna. Their baguette was great and wine list excellent. Avoid the beef sliders. The only other problem is that the menu may not accommodate the pickiest eaters in your party.

• Pros: Lively atmosphere, Wine List, French Foods
• Cons: Beef Burgers, Waiter brought over things to the table that weren't ordered and charged us for them

06/30/08

Yummy watermelon martini!!

by watchmesparkle

I did not eat any food at L'Orange Bleue, but I plan to next time I am down there. My husband and I stumbled upon this place this past saturday night, and went in because it seemed lively. We sat at the bar and I asked what the best drink of the house was, and I was told it was the Watermelon Martini, and it was very very good!! It was made with real watermelon juice...none of that yucky watermelon pucker that other bars make it with, and I was very happy! Next time we will try it for dinner, as we are very adventurious and liked it coziness of this establishment. Try the watermelon martini!!