HUNGRY GERALD

The late Sirio Maccioni (died in 2020–age 88–at his home in Italy) was an elegant, courtly restaurateur. His restaurant , Le Cirque, had a long run–1974-2017–on Manhattan’s upper east side. Its last location was particularly spiffy–151 Beacon Court, a space in the Bloomberg Building.on E. 51st Street. Always welcoming and gracious to the celebrities and “ladies who lunch” that made the expensive eatery their hangout. Although there have been disputes about this, Le Cirque is credited with inventing Spaghetti Primavera and Creme Brulee.  (This dessert is omnipresent in almost every Paris bistro, restaurant and cafe–Le Cirque’s claim seems very dubious). HG thought about Le Cirque tonight as BSK made dinner tonight–Pappardelle Primavera–using fresh Prince Edward Island ingredients  (Yes, Pappardelle is not from PEI–BSK doesn’t use spaghetti in this dish preferring a heartier pasta. The pasta is an Italian import as is the pancetta BSK uses judiciously and the olive oil). All of the other ingredients–zucchini , shallots, parsley, feta cheese and white wine are local except California garlic. BSK’s version of Primavera is much better than Le Cirque’s version of yesteryear. Le Cirque’s was insipid, bathed in cream and verging on tasteless.