Community Magazine May 2003

What’s Eating You? It seems there’s always a tradeoff. A happy occasion hosted in the home offers the tastiest cuisine for an economic price, but guests may feel squished and parking is usually a nightmare. A catering hall has lots of room, but the food is always a gamble and the cost is often pro- hibitive. Although doubtful I would find one, I searched for a solution to this dilemma at Circa Restaurant. I was very pleasantly surprised. At a recent Brit Milah I attended, the virtues of making a simha at Circa were clear. Beautiful, relaxing designs decorated the walls. Above me, dazzling, colorful fixtures hung from the ceiling. Along the walls, were stations of appealing and tasty delicacies, all skillful- ly prepared by Circa’s experienced chefs. In the center of the room white linen tablecloths covered the round tables. Guests were invited to the ceremony upstairs at ‘The Loft’, enjoy- ing excellent accommodations for the Brit services, upon the beauti- ful balcony that is usually host to Circa’s elegant waiter service sec- tion. A majestic silver Kiseh Eliyahu stood at the center setting the proper atmosphere for the occasion. After the moving Brit services, guests were ushered downstairs to the main dining area. Irresistible mini pizzas, in a variety of plain, zaatar or vegetable which was topped with, mushrooms or onions were strategically placed around the hall. One station held the tradi- tional breakfast foods; hot French toast, and pancakes freshly cooked to perfection. Next to it was another delightful dish- ziti, baked in an ever so slightly spicy sauce. Warm bagels in the next station were especially soft and fresh. Elegant vegetable platters were served. Some held nutritious, fresh vegetables while others contained stir fried vegetables for some added zest. Bowls of luscious, juicy, cut melon, and decorative fruit platters made for a refreshing dessert while fancy pastries were also offered for those who preferred a more sinful dessert. Cheerful waitresses dished out the food on fine china. Circa’s built in resources maintained all the food at the perfect temperature. Much of the food remained behind glass until it was served ensuring the most hygienic and germ free conditions. From the lively conversations, and great deal of laughter it was obvious that all the participants were truly enjoying themselves. Everything seemed to be running smoothly and automatically, leav- ing the hostesses with nothing to do but have a great time greeting all their well-wishers. They appeared completely at ease, with a certain relaxed composure that seems to express the confident satisfaction of finding the ideal venue for their happy occasion. Understated elegance, consistently fresh foods that are expertly prepared on premises by professionals and meticulous coordination make any affair at Circa a sure thing. CM cravings of a food critic Solution: Circa It’s a sure thing. Location: 1505 Ave J (Bet. E 15. & E. 16) Hours: Sunday 8 AM - 11PM Mon-Thurs 7AM - 11PM Friday 7AM - 4PM Saturday 1 Hr after Shabbat until 1AM Cuisine: Sushi/Italian/American – Dairy/Parve Kashrut: OU