Beneath the starlit sky of Delhi, with the gentle sound of water and the golden glow of lamps, Le Cirque at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, unveiled an extraordinary dining experience. Until the end of the month, the renowned Franco-Italian fine dining restaurant has set up an exclusive rooftop affair near the poolside, elevating its legacy to new heights.
At the heart of this evening was Chef Vashisht Ajit Kumar, a former merchant navy aspirant who found his true calling in the world of food and flavours. A passionate chef who believes in not just serving good but a story along with it makes the experience even more wholesome.
Le Cirque has recently launched its ‘Legacy Menu’, a special menu that features thirteen of Le Cirque’s most-loved and celebrated delicacies from the past. The rooftop setup is only temporary and is set on the demand of guests as the restaurant is under construction on the first floor of Leela Palace and is set to launch next month.
Featuring thirteen of its most celebrated dishes, the menu honours Le Cirque’s signature dishes celebrating French flavours and delicacies. From the very classic Caesar Salad which is paired with a sunny-side-up toast to the Butternut Squash Croustillant with Goat Cheese, every dish on the menu is crafted with love and passion. The succulent Sous Vide Chicken with Butter Corn Puree, as well as beetroot-cured Scottish Salmon, is also the highlight of the menu.
A dish that stood out both visually and conceptually was the Beetroot and Burrata Risotto, a vegetarian dish that was a stunning tribute to unity and harmony. Presented in the colours of the French flag, it symbolised how diverse elements—just like people—come together to create a symphony, something that is truly beautiful.
The desserts stole the show. Crème Brûlée, a signature recipe passed down from the founder’s grandmother, added a nostalgic touch to the evening. As you dig through the caramelised crust, a hidden story unfolds on the plate—the recipe itself, etched into the surface as a tribute to culinary heritage.
For chocolate lovers, the Symphony of Chocolate was pure bliss—a luxurious blend of whipped dark chocolate mousse, milk chocolate ganache, chocolate soil, and fresh berries, paired with creamy chocolate ice cream and each bite felt like heaven.
Beyond the meal and the atmosphere, the warmth and hospitality were the bonus making the evening even greater. The hospitality of the staff, the ambience of the open-air setup, and Chef Vashisht’s personal touch made it an evening to remember. As Le Cirque gears up to launch its full-fledged restaurant on the first floor of The Leela Palace, this special preview was a reminder of its legacy and why it continues to captivate food lovers.
For those who have a taste for Italian cuisine and are seeking not just a meal, but a story woven into every dish, Le Cirque’s Legacy Menu is an experience worth savouring.
