Exploring the Cirque Blu Seafood House Menu
As you enter the Cirque Blu Seafood House, take a moment to explore the diverse and delectable options on the menu. With an array of fresh catches, artfully prepared dishes, and creative cocktails, this seafood restaurant offers something to delight every palate. Peruse the daily selections showcasing the freshest local ingredients. Consider one of the chef’s special preparations, pairing sustainable seafood with unexpected yet complementary flavors. Or sample the craft cocktails featuring spirits infused in-house with fruits and herbs. Whether joining friends for a lively evening out or planning an intimate dinner for two, the menu at Cirque Blu promises memorable fare and drinks to suit any occasion. Let your culinary adventure begin.
An Overview of Cirque Blu Seafood House
Cirque Blu Seafood House offers patrons a unique dining experience featuring the freshest seafood and a vibrant, circus-themed atmosphere. With a menu emphasizing sustainable and responsibly-sourced seafood, Cirque Blu aims to provide an exciting culinary adventure.
Offerings
The menu features a variety of seafood options including lobster, crab, shrimp, and a raw bar with oysters and tuna poke. For those preferring non-seafood fare, Cirque Blu also offers steak, chicken, and vegetarian choices. The cocktail menu highlights creative, handcrafted libations utilizing fresh juices and premium spirits. An award-winning wine list offers a selection of whites and reds to perfectly pair with your meal.
Atmosphere
As the name suggests, Cirque Blu embraces a whimsical circus theme. The décor features dramatic fabrics, mirrors, and lighting evoking the feel of a big top tent. An open kitchen allows guests to observe the choreographed chaos of the culinary creations. Tableside final preparations and spirited service from the waitstaff further enhance the theatrical dining experience.
Sustainability Commitment
Cirque Blu is dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility. They source seafood following the guidelines of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program, ensuring all offerings are abundant, well-managed, and caught or farmed in an eco-friendly manner. Cirque Blu also donates a portion of proceeds to support ocean conservation and research.
A meal at Cirque Blu Seafood House promises to engage all the senses. With a commitment to fresh, sustainable ingredients, exciting presentation, and whimsical ambiance, Cirque Blu aims to create a memorable dining experience for guests. An exploration of the menu is sure to yield new favorite dishes and a desire to return again.
Signature Seafood Dishes on the Menu
The Cirque Blu Seafood House is renowned for its signature seafood dishes highlighting the freshest catches from local waters. Some highlights of the menu include:
Lobster Linguine
Succulent lobster tail and claw meat sautéed in garlic and white wine, then tossed with linguine pasta. Garnished with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. This dish embodies decadence and is perfect for special occasions or date nights.
Seafood Bouillabaisse
A classic Provençal seafood stew originating from Marseille, France. Cirque Blu’s version features an aromatic saffron broth infused with tomato, fennel and herbs. Brimming with fresh fish such as red mullet, monkfish, shrimp, and mussels. Accompanied by rouille, a spicy mayonnaise, and grilled bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A memorable and transportive dish.
Pan-Seared Scallops
U10 dry scallops from the Atlantic seared in olive oil with a golden crust. Nestled atop creamy parsnip purée and pancetta Brussels sprouts. Finished with a drizzle of lemon brown butter. Simple yet elegant. Scallops are a highlight of the sea, and these plump specimens do not disappoint.
Crab Cakes
A house specialty, lump crab meat is folded into creamy mashed potatoes, then fried until crisp. Garnished with remoulade sauce, lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Light, decadent and full of sweet crab flavor. An ideal appetizer for sharing.
In addition to innovative seafood dishes, Cirque Blu offers a selection of steak, pasta, salads and decadent desserts. There is something for everyone at this upscale seafood institution. The menu reflects a passion for high quality, locally-sourced ingredients and a flair for combining ocean-fresh seafood with French and Italian influences. A culinary tour de force.
Other Menu Highlights at Cirque Blu
In addition to the fresh seafood, Cirque Blu offers other decadent menu items to delight diners.
Appetizers
Begin your meal with one of the chef’s creative appetizers like the truffle arancini, fried risotto balls with truffle aioli, or the tuna tartare, raw tuna tossed in a spicy chili vinaigrette and served with fried wonton chips. The charred octopus is also a popular choice, grilled octopus tentacles served with a romesco sauce.
Salads
For something lighter, the baby kale Caesar salad or beetroot carpaccio are excellent options with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The Caesar dressing is made in-house with grated parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, and toasted breadcrumbs. The beetroot carpaccio combines thin slices of roasted beets with arugula, walnuts, and a creamy goat cheese.
Mains
In addition to the fresh-caught seafood, you’ll find gourmet pasta, meat, and vegetarian dishes. The osso buco, braised veal shanks served with saffron risotto, is a classic Italian favorite. Vegetarians will enjoy the homemade gnocchi with wild mushrooms and truffle cream or the eggplant parmigiana.
Desserts
Save room for one of the decadent desserts like the chocolate soufflé, molten lava cake, or limoncello tiramisu. The soufflés and lava cakes must be ordered in advance as they take 20 minutes to bake, but the wait is well worth it for the oozing chocolate center. The limoncello tiramisu combines coffee-soaked cake layers with a limoncello mascarpone cream for a perfect balance of coffee and citrus flavors.
With an array of appetizers, salads, main dishes and desserts in addition to the fresh seafood, Cirque Blu has something for everyone. The menu highlights the freshest seasonal ingredients prepared in creative, modern ways. A meal at Cirque Blu is truly a culinary experience not to be missed.
Cirque Blu’s Atmosphere and Dining Experience
Cirque Blu Seafood House provides an upscale yet comfortable dining atmosphere focused on a memorable culinary experience.
Upon entering the restaurant, you are greeted by the sleek and modern decor with artistic lighting fixtures and minimalist furnishings in shades of blue, reminiscent of the sea. The open concept kitchen allows you to see the expert chefs preparing the day’s fresh seafood specials and other dishes. Whether seated in the main dining area or on the outdoor patio, every table offers a view of the bustling kitchen or lush courtyard.
The service at Cirque Blu is impeccable. Knowledgeable and friendly waitstaff are attentive without being intrusive. They are happy to provide recommendations from the extensive wine list or artfully crafted cocktail menu to perfectly complement your meal.
The menu focuses on sustainable seafood and high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients prepared using classic techniques with creative flair. Some highlights include:
- Lobster bisque with truffle oil and chives
- Seared scallops with lemon beurre blanc sauce
- Miso-glazed black cod
- Lobster risotto with mascarpone cheese
After your meal, be sure to save room for one of the house-made desserts like the crème brûlée with fresh berries or the chocolate soufflé with homemade ice cream.
Whether planning a special occasion or just a night out, Cirque Blu Seafood House provides a complete fine dining experience in an upscale yet approachable ambiance. With its dedication to exceptional food and service, it’s no wonder Cirque Blu has become a premier destination for locals and visitors alike.
Conclusion
After sampling the menu at Cirque Blu Seafood House, you’ll understand why it has become such a popular dining destination. Offering the freshest sustainably-sourced seafood and high-quality ingredients, there are options to please any palate. Whether you’re in the mood for lobster, crab, oysters, or fish and chips, you really can’t go wrong.
For the adventurous seafood lover, the chef’s tasting menu provides a multi-course experience to savor the variety of flavors from land and sea. For special occasions, the lavish seafood towers overflowing with chilled lobster, shrimp, oysters, and more make a dramatic centerpiece. On a warm summer evening, the outdoor patio overlooking the harbor is the ideal spot to unwind with a glass of wine or craft cocktail.
If you have any room left for dessert, the homemade gelatos, sorbets and other sweet treats provide a perfect ending to your meal. The friendly, knowledgeable staff provide exceptional service to match the high standard of cuisine.
With its upscale yet unstuffy ambiance and amazing food, Cirque Blu Seafood House should be on every seafood aficionado’s list. Whether hosting friends and family or a special date night, you’re sure to make cherished memories at this world-class restaurant. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cuisine does Cirque Blu Seafood House offer?
Cirque Blu specializes in the freshest sustainable seafood and high-quality locally-sourced ingredients. They are known for dishes like lobster tails, crab cakes, oysters, cioppino, bouillabaisse, and lobster rolls.
Do they offer anything other than seafood?
While seafood is the focus, they do offer some non-seafood options like duck, steak, pasta, and salad. There are also many vegetarian-friendly sides and appetizers to choose from.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code is casual and elegant. Jeans and t-shirts are too casual. Slacks or khakis and a button-down or blouse are recommended. For evenings, dresses and sport coats are suitable.
Can I make a reservation?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially for dinner or weekends. You can make a reservation on their website or by calling the restaurant. Walk-ins are accepted if space permits.
Do they offer private dining or event spaces?
Yes, Cirque Blu Seafood House has private dining rooms that can accommodate 10 to 50 guests for special events, corporate functions, or buyouts. Contact them for more information on private events.
