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Le Cirque is an icon in the NY culinary world known for its gourmet French food and upscale atmosphere. Established by Sirio Maccioni, he has described the restaurant as a “place where the worlds of food, fashion, art and culture converge.”

He is exactly right.

Currently in its third location, the 16,000 square feet of space is designed by Adam Tihany and the architect is Costas Kondylis. There is a main floor with high ceilings that seats 95 and features a “big top” light shade that carries forward the circus theme.

There is also a separate bar area, where you can always find an attractive upscale crowd milling around the glass structure which appears and “disappears,” like magic. Above this area is an event mezzanine to hold private parties.

The menu is full of wonderful options. The Lamb comes with a gremolata crust, percorino ravioli and mint jus. It is fantastic. I also recommend the Paupiette of Black Sea Bass, which comes served wrapped in crispy potatoes on a bed of braised leeks.

Another option is the degustation menu which costs $145 for the whole table ($195 with a wine pairing). Their deserts are so tantalizing, they can only be called heaven on a plate.

For those on a budget, you may want to try the $28 prix-fix meal. There is also the option of the cafe, which serves an abundance of wine and some lighter fare like Shrimp Tempura with spicy mayonnaise and Mini Cheeseburgers with pommes frites.

Le Cirque has another location at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

One Beacon Court
151 E 58th Street
212-644-0202
http://lecirque.com

Enjoy,

Tom Taraci

P.S. For information on my new Taraci Collection, featuring my quintessential list of NYC restaurants and a variety of the worlds’ most recognized luxury brands, please click here and have a great day.

People are always asking for my favorite Italian restaurant in NYC.

It’s a hard question to answer, but after a return visit to Spiga last Saturday night I’d have to list it as a contender.   

Sometimes you want big and brassy; at other times you’re looking for the cozy neighborhood place.  Reminiscing of so many of the best restaurants in Italy, Spiga, an intimate, albeit, crowded space on the upper west side, has some of the most innovative but approachable Italian creations in the city.    

An appetizer of sautéed artichokes with pistachios and black olives had us licking the plate.   The same was true for homemade sea bass ravioli, with a mixed seafood ragu and saffron sauce. The wine list is well-rounded with choices from $38 and up.  We had a delicious 2003 Ceuso from Sicily, a full bodied flavorful wine with good fruit and a long finish. 

One caution, tables for four are small; order appetizers, salads and entrees and you’ll be balancing plates on your head.  Try to book for two or six and you’ll be more comfortable.  Spiga’s a great choice for anyone visiting the Museum of Natural History, the Beacon Theater or is simply looking for la realta (the real thing).

200 W 84th St
(212) 362-5506

www.spiganyc.com