It's Restaurant Week in NYC (1/24 - 2/6) so a group of friends and I decided to kick it off right with dinner at Le Cirque! 3 courses for $35 is an awesome deal given a salad a-la-carte can cost you upwards of $25 alone at this fine establishment. Below you'll find a run-down of my eats.
Le Cirque Restaurant Week Menu
First Course, Appetizer:Ragout of Oysters and Maine Shrimp w/leeks and potatoes
I REALLY wanted to love this dish. For one, it cost an additional $5. For another, I have a special place in my heart for oysters. But what was supposed to be a complex and rich 'ragout' tasted more like bland bubbles (plus, one of my table mates thought it looked like mashed potatoes). The oysters were tasty but the shrimp wasn't anything to shout on rooftops about. In hindsight, I wish I went for the Salmon Tartar and Smoked Salmon with Rye Crackers and Dill as it was served in an artsy highball glass and included salmon caviar -- which is another favorite of mine.
Second Course, Main Entree:
Daurade Fillet w/giagiante beans, tarragon, yogurt, cucumber
This dish was AMAZING! Our server explained that the daurade is the french version of sea bass. The skin was seared to perfection, the meat flaky and delicious. Plus, the accompanying beans, fennel, cucumbers and yogurt sauce complimented the fish nicely. Definitely recommend this dish as it was the highlight of my meal.
Third Course, Dessert:“Le Cirque” Crème Brulee
This dessert was as good as people say it is. Plus, you'll be rewarded with Le Cirque's own recipe* once you scrape to the bottom of the ramekin. Though who really has time to make this from scratch (let alone own a blow torch?!). Truly yummy, I ate the whole thing.
* I can send this to you if leave a comment, lol.
