Orienta in Greenwich Launches Luncheon Series Featuring Local Artisans

Orienta Restaurant recently launched a new series of luncheon events. The restaurant invites local entrepreneurs, artisans and business owners to share and inspire during the weekday lunch service. The new luncheon series began in December with artist Simone Kestelman of Scarsdale, New York. (For more information visit their website.)

Concurrently, the French and Asian-inspired menu introduced a couple of new items. New dishes include the Chin-Chin Paillard a fun play on the traditional Chicken Paillard and a knock-your-socks-off Vietnamese Savory Crepe. (More on these in a bit.)

Blech, a former model and film executive who co-owns Orienta with her husband Antoine, describes operating a restaurant as being "a lot like producing a Broadway show.” She continued, “The entire team works together for the production to be successful and our goal with this event series is to create a memorable experience for our guests.” The team, as she describes, is a family affair which includes her daughter-in-law Kate as the Maître’d and son, Adrien, who’s the Chef de Cuisine. Each event collaborator is hand-selected by Blech and Kate.

Blech is a dedicated businesswoman with a passion for cultivating spaces that are inspiring and memorable. "We designed the restaurant to be an escape. When guests dine at Orienta they feel like they're traveling " said Blech.

This was not my first time (nor will it be my last) at Orienta. Each time I pass through the restaurant’s front door with its whimsical chien rouge I swoon at the glorious pink and green banana leaf wallpaper that greets me, leading me into the restaurant’s interior. The cuisine is as unique and dramatic as the décor – so let’s move onto the food, shall we?

The lobster shooters are simply not to be missed. They are divine! Served in elegant black sake cups, crispy lobster bites are perfected with a chili mango relish and a red curry coconut sauce never fails to delight. I could so easily describe these as the little darlings of the show. This dish is really quite special.

Broiled Oysters – Broiled beausoleil oysters served on a bed of sea salt with Szechuan butter and lime. Here, as with the other dishes, presentation is all part of the production. Crisp-smooth, mildly heated, citrusy – these little bivalves danced upon my tongue.

Rockstar Shrimp – Fried popcorn shrimp dressed in a sweet chili sauce is served a top a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce. Served with lime. Get one for the table. And a fork for everyone. You won’t be able stop after just one.

The Hamachi Crudo was delectably light and refreshing with enough spice to keep it interesting yet mild enough to keep the integrity of the Hamachi. Served with Fresno chili, avocado, cucumber and a citrusy yuzu dressing.

The tender, flaky Pistachio Crusted Salmon is complimented with ginger, Bok choy, garlic, 

purple sticky rice and sesame glaze. The pistachios and rice add a nice textural contrast. Aside from being delicious, the purple sticky rice is such a fun addition. 

Salt & Pepper Cod – I really hate to pick favorites but this was certainly at the top of my list. This tender, meaty white fish was incredibly tender and flavorful. It’s so simple yet it’s not. Served over sesame fried rice and sweet chili sauce, this dish is ideal for someone who desires something substantial without weighing you down. 

Chin-Chin Paillard – This fun rendition of the much favored Chicken Paillard served with an Asian twist with red and Napa cabbages, carrots, toasted slivered almonds, mint, cilantro, crispy wontons and a ginger sesame dressing. 

Vietnamese Savory Crepe – This dish is a winner in my book! New to the menu this is another favorite of mine because it’s so exotic. Bursting with turmeric – flavor and color – this crispy crepe envelopes a bed of shrimp, chicken, chilis, bean sprouts, and carrots. It’s served with a fish dipping sauce (Nước chấm). The Vietnamese crepe is an explosion of flavors so unexpected and delightful.

Reservations are required for the Luncheon series and a two-course prix-fixe lunch is included for the price of $35. It is my sincere hope you’ll be able to stop by for it, but if your schedule won’t allow for it dinner here is an absolute must. It would be a shame not to have this on your repertoire – the Orienta experience is unlike any other in the area.

Orienta first opened in the Upper East Side in 1995 as a result of Blech’s husband, Antoine, working at two iconic NYC restaurants, Le Bilboquet and Le Colonial. Back then, [Antoine] Blech was a Westchester County-based husband and father with two small children. He decided to open his first New York City restaurant and combined a cozy bistro ambiance with Asian flavors that resulted in a distinct space and captured rave reviews. A decade ago he closed its doors and transitioned his focus to Connecticut with the opening of Le Penguin in Greenwich, and later Le Fat Poodle in Old Greenwich. Once the right space opened nearby the Blech's decided to reopen Orienta and bring the beloved restaurant's magic to Fairfield County now with Suzanne at the helm.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, and only for dinner on Sunday. Visit Orienta online to learn more or book a reservation (www.orientarestaurant.com).