LE CIRQUE

NYC Restaurant Le Cirque Is Back, But Only for Pricey Events on a Yacht | Eater NY

"I'm seeing Le Cirque return in an unusual form — the legendary fine‑dining restaurant is staging events aboard a yacht while the Maccioni family continues to hunt for a new brick‑and‑mortar. Co‑owner Mauro Maccioni is cooking signature dishes such as lobster risotto and sea bass paupiette at these high‑end events (examples: $12,000 for six people and $16,000 for 13), and the outings have included high‑profile parties like a Cartier event. The family says it is again close to signing a 65‑seat Upper East Side lease after several near misses (including 36 East 60th St.), and the brand has been kept alive through Le Cirque outposts in Las Vegas, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore; the U.S. flagship most recently occupied 1 Beacon Ct. (250 seats) until it closed on New Year’s Eve 2017. Le Cirque first opened on East 65th Street in 1974 and, in its heyday, employed notable chefs such as Daniel Boulud and David Bouley." - Stefanie Tuder