"Le Cercle" at Lucas-Carton

[Jonathan Day]

The Lucas Carton website (www.lucascarton.com) advertises a private club, "Le Cercle". Here is a better translation of the proposition than the site provides; for some reason the English version fails to mention the membership fee:

• "The Circle" is located on the first floor of the restaurant, accessed by a separate door on the passage de la Madeleine. Elegant, private and stylish, the room is dominated by a New York style bar. For even greater intimacy there are two small private dining rooms for special meals with friends.
  The Circle now has more than 2,000 privileged members, who lunch and dine there regularly.
  If you are interested in joining us, you must apply by mail and you must be sponsored by an existing member of The Circle. You will also be asked to complete a questionnaire. If the management accept you, you will be asked to pay an annual fee and will receive a membership card. [The amount of the fee is not stated]
  

Has anyone visited this place?

Of more gastronomic interest, the site also has quite a few of Senderns' "harmonies" -- pairings of food and wine.

[Sandra Levine]

Here's a link to an earlier thread on the restaurant

[Jonathan Day]

Sandra, thanks for the reference to the original thread.

What I was curious about was "Le Cercle", the private section. Have members visited it? Does anyone know what the annual fee costs? Is the menu there the same as in the restaurant? Or is this exclusively for Paris residents?

[cabrales]

I'd be interested in learning more about Le Cercle membership. Is any member part of Le Cercle, such that she could consider potentially sponsoring me?

[fresh_a]

My wife lunched a couple of years ago at "Le Cercle", and really enjoyed it... she was invited for a work luncheon by a big French cosmetic company..

[cabrales]

I recently discussed Le Cercle with a former lead chef for that part of Lucas-Carton. Apparently, Le Cercle offers slightly less gastronomic cuisine than the restaurant, but helps the overall economics of the restaurant. There might also be ego-related benefits derived by certain Le Cercle members, one might imagine. I will continue follow-up at appropriate times.

Edited January 3, 2003 by cabrales (log)

[Louisa Chu]

A fellow Cordon Bleu starts his stage - pastry - at Lucas Carton on Monday. Will check in with him - report back from time to time with news from the other side of the plate.

Edited January 3, 2003 by loufood (log)

[cabrales]

loufood -- When you have a chance, please ask your friend to obtain details, if readily available, on the costs of membership in Le Cercle and on an indicative menu for that facility.