I’ve already witnessed one of the first world’s most expensive cocktail by Salvatore Calabrese in first person. Now Gigi’s gone and stolen the crown with theirs for £8,888, drawing a celebrity-studded event at their opening. My visit wasn’t just for the drinks I came for the food.
Gigi’s led me to the quiet back streets of London, a few steps away from Bond Street in Mayfair the place was an easy spot. Step inside the stunning classic chic interior, seated by the table in between the other dining room and bar we had good views of the restaurant.
We kicked off the night with mocktails, even though the waitress merrily insisted on cocktails since it’s a Saturday night. The menu offers a defining modern Italian food with Asian influences by Ivan Simeoli.
Before placing our order, the bowl of breads arrived, two striking ones stood out, a charcoal black one and bright green. I have never seen this at a restaurant, turns out these two were black ink and parsley bread.
Starters, my friend opted for the egg cooked at precisely 62 degrees, still had the wobble with little movements. Poking the egg, yolk juices flowed into the plate of girolles, pickled tomato and parma ham.
My dishes were meticulously presented, cuts of veal, sprinkled radishes, wild leaves and thick tuna sauce. The tuna sauce was punchy and made a perfect combination to the cold veal.
Mains we both went for pasta options, feeling fancy I went for Spaghetti, in a mantecato squid sauce, perched with oscietra caviar and gold leaf flakes. Everything about the dish is rich, the flavour reminded me of Thai fish sauce, but not as prudent. Pasta is perfectly cooked to just right, no undercooked pieces in sight.
V had Ravioli, delicate little parcels filled with buffalo ricotta, and zingy amalfi lemon sauce.
Desserts, was the biggest surprise, hesitating with choosing a tiramisu or taking the risk to try something new. Luckily my friend got the tiramisu, Gigi’s version came in a deconstructed style. A crunchy coffee flavour meringue, chocolate sauce and ice cream.
I have big liking for poached pear, and this one was no exception.
Super soft that becomes mushy as soon as you take a bite, paired with a boozy praline cream and crunchy honeycomb bites. It was an explosion of heaven in my mouth, booze and sweets yum.
Gigi’s is a lovely place to hide away from the busy eateries in the surrounding area, I enjoyed my journey of Modern Italian dishes with a twist.
22 Woodstock Str
(from New Bond str turn left just before Oxford Str)
Mayfair W1C 2AR
{google_map}22 Woodstock Street, Mayfair W1C 2AR {/google_map}
http://www.gigismayfair.com/
