"Circa" a Delectable Treat for Park Avenue in Winter Park, Florida

After much quiet preparation, months of design work, and an abundance of hushed anticipation, the new piano bar at 358 North Park Avenue is finally open to the public. Eager to try this new local gem, I took the short stroll to the restaurant for an early afternoon lunch. Anticipating a hot new restaurant in traditional Park Avenue style, I was not to be disappointed.

At first glance, the main dining room seems a little hyper-formal, even for the classy avenue. White, tied-back covers adorn the chairs, a glossy black piano rests quietly in the corner, and the staff, clad in semi-formal attire, are eager to assist. With this level of formality, I was a little anxious as I approached the establishment; with the overly formal appearance and no other patrons in the establishment, I worried that the restaurant was closed for some special affair. The door staff assured me, however, that they were open for business and that other customers would soon appear.

Taking my seat, I was immediately impressed by both the attention to detail in the establishment's décor and the attentiveness of the staff. The latter may have been because I was the sole customer at the time, but the attention (which fell just short of doting) was a welcome change from the impersonal service at some other local venues.

The menu was also refreshing, if not a little on the pricey side. The regular staples--such as sandwiches, soups and salads-were interspersed among tantalizing offerings such as "pan-roasted Long Island duck breast" ($28) and "grilled wagyu 'Australian kobe' beef" ($34). Despite these and other intriguing 3-course meals, I found myself debating between the "classic cesar salad with grilled chicken" ($12) and the "laughing bird shrimp (or chicken) chianti tomato and crème sauce over fetuccini" ($11). Being a cesar salad fan, the former won out.

The salad itself was very good, with a classic cesar taste (just as the menu had described), generous portions of chicken, and very fresh lettuce. The quality flatware was very comfortable, and the iced tea was excellent. Not surprisingly, my waitress, Lauren, was highly attentive to my needs during and immediately after the meal. I was surprised, however, to overhear the manager addressing another employee with instructions to "worry about service and classic serving techniques first, everything else second." As far as I could tell, the staff was already very skilled; I have no idea what prompted this impromptu exchange.

After finishing off the salad, I was curious about what desserts would be available. As a server took my dishes away, though, I was instead offered a "warm appetizer." Since appetizers are traditionally served before the meal, this offer left me a little confused. Although the "confit duck spring rolls with fig leaf" ($12) sounded very appealing, I chose instead to wait for a more typical dessert. When my S'more arrived, I was glad I did: this chocolate pie with graham cracker crust and melted marshmallow topping was nothing less than decadent, and the fresh fruit garnishment flanking the pie provided a perfect sense of culinary balance.

Completing my meal and paying my tab ($22.69 for my selections-not bad, but still slightly on the pricey side), my server offered me a tour of the facilities (I'm not sure if this offer is generally extended to patrons or if she suspected I was working on this article). During this tour, I learned that the hyper-formal front dining room where I had been seated was only a small façade for the rest of the establishment. A large conference/meeting/group dining facility was tucked away in the back, and a pub (not yet open) was under development across the hall. Then we went upstairs.

The upstairs portion of Circa is something one certainly wouldn't expect to find hidden above the dining facilities visible from the street. With swanky jazz music, a full bar, and room for dozens of people, the upstairs lounge is less like a Park Avenue business and more reminiscent of a South Beach night club. With colored uplights casting a purplish-blue hue on the walls, blue LEDs under the floors, and plush sofas, chairs, and private enclaves scattered around, the atmosphere of the lounge was on the opposite end of the spectrum from the downstairs facility.

Circa (named for when the building which houses it was constructed, circa 1926) is certainly a vivacious new entry to the Winter Park scene, and the lounge-open until 2:00am on weekends-adds a much needed nightlife choice to the north end of the Avenue. With delicious foods, decadent desserts, and an interesting (though yet forthcoming) pub, Circa may appeal to a broad enough crowd to hold its own in the competitive Park Avenue marketplace.