THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Circo

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Circo Restaurant Review:

This cheerful Italian bistro has a circus-like décor, as does its big sister in New York, and a varied menu of Tuscan specialties from thin-crusted pizzas to braised veal shank with creamy Parmesan potato purée. Like Le Cirque next door, Circo sits lakeside, but its setting is a bit more casual. If you fall in love with the overall menu --- as many have --- you can thank Egidiana Egi Maccioni, wife of Le Cirque founder Sirio and mother of Marco, Mario and Mauro. Many dishes are her classics that the boys enjoyed while growing up. Go for her ravioli stuffed with ricotta, spinach and sage. The Tuscan stew of calamari, clams, mussels, shrimp and branzino with a garlic crostini is a winner, as is the Pecorino-and-thyme-crusted rack of lamb with crushed potatoes. Or, how about the roasted Sonoma Valley quails with polenta, crispy lardon, fried zucchini blossoms, sherry wine and rosemary sauce? Traditional pizzas from the clay oven include a Bianca topped with fresh burrata, bresaola, arugula and truffle essence. The chocolate-caramel bombe with hazelnut nougatine and praline ice cream and the tiramisu with caramel coffee sauce are worth the splurge.