Le Cirque

Thursday, Ruz and I had dinner reservations at Le Cirque. I have been persevering for weeks to get reservations in this place and it is tough! We did get prior reservations, but things would come up, like Lloydie's birthday treat and weather problems. I'm just glad the dinner finally pushed through.

Le Cirque is in a whole different league. Right outside was a nicely dressed doorman greeting incomers and I was in awe when right behind us was a disheveled old gentleman that he greeted by name. Coolness.

You walk in and a host was immediately available. I said we had reservations and he offered to check in our jackets. The place is subdivided into two, left is the main dining room and to to the righ is an upscale cafe/bar. I wsa happy we were sat in the dining room as I have read that many-a-diners are sat in the cafe. I wanted my first Le Cirque experience to be tops and off it went to a great start!

The main dining room decor is contemporary & exudes total class. All the men were wearing jackets (as they are required to dine in the main dining room), and i thought, even at this day and age, that its a nice touch. The plates have this whimsical monkey insignia on them that you really can't say fit perfectly with the ambience, but still pretty amusing



There was a man offering all sorts of bread on a fancy tray throughout the meal. I am usually a big fan of bread baskets, but I was sort of full even before we ordered, and I didn't want to mess up my appetite. They had multigrain, raisin, olive rosemary baguette, and some more. Good variety. I had the multigrain and although I wish it were a little softer, it was good and nutty nonetheless.

For appetizer, Ruz had the Sauteéd Gulf Shrimp with carrot confit and kaffir lime sabayon while I chose Lobster Consommé with ricotta dumplings. Not good. For entree, Ruz had succulent Pork Filet with candied turnips and tamarind. I had the Diver Sea Scallops with sunchoke, grapefruit, and hazelnut crumble. The servings are fairly minuscule. Crème Brûlée “Le Cirque” and Pineapple Carpaccio lemongrass sorbet filled up our sweet tooth.


The experience was a teeny tad pretentious, but then I guess that's what you pay for too.. My night was made when I saw Sirio, the famed owner. Lol, I freaked out a little. Food is good but not great. Better than Tavern on the Green most definitely. I liked Nobu better. I wish I could keep coming back here whenever I want to feel special, but my savings tells me otherwise.