Overview:
Since their opening in the spring, L’Orangerie – the restaurant on Orange Avenue– has brought French cuisine to Coronado with a menu featuring seasonal, local produce.
Beautiful place, beautiful product, beautiful ambiance – these are the three things Jonathan Basinger, L’Orangerie director of operations and general manager, said the owner had in mind for the restaurant in Coronado.
Originally from France, chef Philippe Maurin brings his cultural roots with him into this new restaurant. He formerly worked for a Michelin star restaurant and carries a seasoned approach to French gastronomy.
“The owner is really excited,” Basinger said. “He really wants to be able to give people an authentic experience and incorporate his vision for the restaurant to Coronado.”
Basinger said Maurin discovered Coronado through his son’s wife, whose family has a home in the city.
“The idea was to be somewhere where it was local, very central to a beautiful location, and being able to provide a product and an experience that really correlated and gave you the essence of a French feel to it,” Basinger said.
Located in the heart of Coronado where Tent City Restaurant used to be, the outdoor patio seating provides plenty of people watching opportunities — an ambiance similar to dining experiences found in a bustling European city.
The menu approaches meals in a way that prioritizes pairings of alcohol and locally sourced food. From cheese and meat boards to escargot, the menu encourages patrons to give the cuisine a try, even if it is a new experience.
“Obviously, it’s different,” Basinger said. “A lot of people are trying to gather what a quiche is or escargot. The charcuterie boards are a lot more robust. The meats the chef chooses are a little different and the cheeses are a lot different than American.”
Basinger said fresh bread is delivered everyday by a local company, and produce is sourced from north Oceanside and Carlsbad.
“The things that determine the menu are the seasonal vegetables and fruits,” Basinger said. “We can incorporate the daily deliveries from local purveyors, so we can hit on the summer time vibes right now. For example right now, we’re doing Persian cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes, carrots, pickled onions, peppers in our seasonal vegetable platter with some radishes on top.”
The spices get imported directly from France, as does the wine, according to Basinger. From oaky white wines to bubbly champagnes, there is a wide array of bottles that come from different regions of France.
“[It’s] very much a French-inspired experience coming from a lot of Bordeauxs. You’re gonna have your rosés, champagnes, whites,” Basinger said. “We have lots of different things that give you a feel for what a very authentic French wine would be.”
They also offer a two-hour bottomless mimosa special and a variety of other options.
While L’Orangerie is new to the neighborhood and still settling in, Basinger said he hopes people will come with open minds to try something new, enjoy the atmosphere and see the heart of the chef.
“I really believe in Philippe’s vision and goal,” Basinger said. “It seems like he cares about his family and wants to succeed here, and it trickles down to the staff.”
L’Orangerie is open Tuesday and Wednesday 4-8 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends (Thursday-Sunday). Happy hour is 3-6 p.m. everyday. L’Orangerie is located at 1100 Orange Avenue within the Coronado Historical Association Museum.
