Circa doesn't quite fill its space.
Written: Oct 08 '03 (Updated Feb 02 '05)
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Pros: Flavorful, well-presented food; varied wine list; attentive wait staff.
Cons: Not a very intimate space; somewhat austere.
The Bottom Line: Circa just didn't grab me, for some reason. I like a more intimate space. I can't fault the food and drink, though.
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| slarter's Full Review: Circa |
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Circa closed in mid-2004, so this review is for entertainment purposes only.
Circa has always existed in my mind as one of Philadelphia's trendy restaurants, a destination for those looking to see and be seen. This, of course, piqued my interest enough that when a group of Philadelphia restaurants offered a discounted prix fixe menu for a week, I decided that Circa was the place to go. I am glad that I went, but I think that a return trip will be a long time in coming.
The decor at Circa is undeniably striking. Formerly a bank, the grand space boasts vaulted ceilings and a profusion of marble. The long bar on the left as you enter is of a dark, polished wood, with top shelf liquors residing in niches behind the bartenders. More interesting still is the bar in the vault downstairs, which provides a more intimate space for cocktails or dining. Unfortunately, the sheer size of the main dining room, combined with the muted lighting, lends a somewhat cold atmosphere to the restaurant. I cannot, however, attest to the atmosphere in the vault, as it was not open at the time of my reservation.
As expected, drinks at the bar do not disappoint. My Grey Goose martini (straight, no twist) was perfectly cool and smooth. A fairly variegated wine list ranges from French to Australian to Californian, with offerings from most popular grapes. The pricing on the bottles ranges from $30 to well over $150. With a little ingenuity, you should be able to match a bottle of wine to whatever food you select. If beer is more your style, there are a few good options, including some craft brewery offerings (my preference, to be sure).
The food at Circa is served in creative, attractive designs. The presentation is well in line with expectations for fine dining, with varied colors, sauces, and trimmings. My beet salad displayed the deep red of the beets, the creamy white of the cheese, and a range of greens from the, well, greens. My entree also was finely presented, with a flavorful combination of salmon and sauce. For some reason, however, the food just does not stand out in my mind as I write this. I know that I thoroughly enjoyed it at the time, but it was not the kind of food that lingered with me, tempting me back to try other offerings on the menu.
Why does Circa not draw me now, after having been there, in the same way it did before? I am not sure, given that I cannot find fault with the food, drinks, or service. Perhaps it is just that, while the food is good, it is not phenomenal. The huge space of the main dining area seems a bit cold, a bit too formal for the intimate type of dining I prefer. The overall impression I received from my night at Circa was one of coolness. A cool, spacious dining room; coolly attractive wait staff; a cold, cold martini; a cool beet salad; a cool evening. Cool is used here in the sense of something austere, and somewhat passionless.
While I really did enjoy my night at Circa, there are a great many restaurants in Philadelphia that I want to experience before returning. Perhaps it is simply that I prefer a different type of dining experience, but the end result is that I will not be back to Circa any time in the near future.
Recommended:
No
Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Try the seafood; you won''t be disappointed.
Best Suited For: Trendy Crowd
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slarter
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Reviews written: 131
Trusted by: 126 members
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