Cirque ceased operations this month, raising questions about a potential return.
Le Cirque, a staple of New York City's uptown dining scene for 43 years, closed its doors on January 5, 2021. The French restaurant, owned and operated by Italian-Americans Sirio and Egidiana Maccione, has been a significant part of the city's culinary landscape since it opened at The Mayfair Hotel on East 65th Street in 1974.
Over the years, Le Cirque has moved locations, settling at The Palace Hotel in 1997 and then to The Bloomberg Tower on East 58th Street in 2006. During its tenure, the restaurant has been a platform for a succession of celebrity chefs, including Daniel Boulud, David Bouley, Terrance Brennan, Alain Sailhac, Rick Moonen, Jacques Torres, Sottha Khun, Sylvain Portay, Christophe Bellanca, Michael Lomonaco, Alain Allegretti, Pierre Schaedelin, Bill Telepan, Alex Stratta, and Geoffrey Zakarian.
The restaurant's history, however, has not been without controversy. Grub Street reported that Le Cirque has faced bankruptcy, class-action, and sexual harassment lawsuits. The specific details of these controversies are not publicly known. An essay in The New Yorker titled "What Le Cirque Will Be Remembered For" reveals a history of excitement and controversy for the restaurant.
Despite these challenges, Le Cirque has catered to heavy-hitters and power people in the city. The restaurant has been a favourite among the elite, offering an unparalleled dining experience. In 1995, Le Cirque won the James Beard Foundation's "Award for Outstanding Restaurant," and Sirio Maccione was honoured with the James Beard Foundation's "Award for Lifetime Achievement" in 2014.
As Le Cirque closes its doors at its current location, the Maccionis are not giving up. They are planning to reopen the restaurant in a new, smaller uptown location by the end of 2018. Marco Maccione, one of Sirio's sons, is leading the effort, showing the same warmth and hospitality at Le Cirque as his father.
The new location for Le Cirque, if it reopens, will not be in its original location. The restaurant is considering a move to a more inner-city spot, but the specific location remains undisclosed. The restaurant's closure in January 2021 was due to high rent, as reported by Eater.
Le Cirque's closure marks the end of an era, but it is not the end of the story. The restaurant's legacy will continue to be remembered as an "immigrant with nothing comes to NYC and becomes a great success" story. The Macciones' resilience and determination to reopen Le Cirque in a new location is a testament to their commitment to their family's legacy and New York City's dining scene.
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