Former One If by Land, Two If by Sea chef and Picholine alum Craig Hopson joined Le Cirque in November, and you can try his food on a $74, seven-course value menu pegged to its founding in 1974. The bargain, available through April, is meant to “bring in foodies” instead of the one-time (stingier) Restaurant Week diners, Hopson told us at a preview last night. The chef’s dishes are spiked with global flavors and unexpected pairings, like chocolate pastry laced with duck confit. But while the food is contemporary, Le Cirque feels like an eighties haunt — you can even order smoked salmon, Dover sole, and chocolate soufflé off the menu. See the full menu below.
In Honor of our 1974 Opening
$74 per person; $60 Wine Pairing
Kumamoto Oyster
Champagne essence, seaweed-watercress salad
Lanson, NV
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Rabbit, Foie Gras, and Bacon Terrine
Granny Smith gelée and tempura squash
Le Carmes de Rieussec, Sauternes 2006
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Wild Burgundy Escargot
Gruyère gnocchi, hedgehog mushrooms, and bottarga
Sancerre F. Mollet, Loire Valley, 2008
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Black Sea Bass
Steamed with morels, bacon, and orange broth
Chateau Miraval, “Cuvee Pink Floyd,” Cote Provence, 2007
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Duck Breast
Kumquats, chocolate-peppercorn vinaigrette
Bucklin “Old Ranch Vineyard,” Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, 2006
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Gianduka Chocolate Ganache
Hazelnut financier and Frangelico ice cream
Clos Urulat, Jurancon, 2006
Related: One If by Land’s Craig Hopson Moves to Le Cirque
Read more posts by Alexandra Vallis
Filed Under: craig hopson, le cirque, menus, recession is your friend