New Dallas Offshoot of Famed Bankrupt New York Hotspot is Going to Be Much More Than Just a Restaurant: A Day Spa, a Pool and Pasta in One Place
BY Natalie Gempel // 04.04.18Sunbathing, pasta, manicures: These are a few of our favorite things, and soon we’ll finally be able to enjoy all three in one place.
There’s an unusual new concept coming to Dallas this summer, and it promises to offer upscale Italian dining, luxe pools and spa pampering all in a 25,000-square-foot venue. Circo, a restaurant by famed restaurant brand Le Cirque, and Circo Beach, a pool and day spa, are expected to open in Uptown Dallas this June. The concept will be located inside of One Uptown, a high-end residential building.
Le Cirque is known for its over-the-top restaurants in cities like New York, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi. The New York restaurant was once a hotspot for celebrities and socialites, but last year it filed for bankruptcy and is currently in the process of relocating.
The Maccioni Family, which founded the concept, partnered with Dallas-based WhiteROC Hospitality Group to expand to Texas.
“We are honored to welcome Dallas to the iconic Circo by Le Cirque. Our goal is to be an iconic Dallas destination enjoyed year round.” Lauren Santagati, chief executive officer of WhiteROC Hospitality Group, said in a statement.
The Dallas location will have a more modern look, while staying true to the traditions of the brand.
The first floor will hold the 180-seat main dining room, with a European circus-inspired design scheme (not sure how we feel about that), a grand spiral staircase and a 6,500-pound chandelier. Adjacent to the main dining room is the live action g’manger station, where guests can select their seafood choice. There’s even a hand-painted chocolate truffle room!
The restaurant will serve Coastal Italian fare, crafted by executive chef (and legit Italian) Alfio Longo, who previously worked at Circo New York and The Beach Club by Le Cirque.
Fresh seafood will be flown in daily, and the menu will include selections like lobster risotto, octopus Salvatore, salmon and tuna tartare, caviar and more.
Dishes can be paired with one of the 200 wines available, as well as specialty cocktails, brandy, martinis and calvados.
A 70-seat lounge and outdoor terrace will offer additional seating and a private event space on the second floor.
Just outside the terrace is Circo Beach, a day resort with two pools, seven private cabanas, daybeds, a DJ stage, private bar, and locker rooms. The area offers prime views of Uptown, and one of the pools has a glass bottom. The cabanas are available for reservations, and will include bottle service with add-on spa services like hydration facials, full body massages, and nail touch-ups.
Yes, Circo has a lot going on. At this point, it could either be the risotto-filled oasis of our dreams or the tacky day club of our nightmares. Let’s hope for the former.