The Author

Randy 
Torban

Randy Torban is the Director of Business Development at ClassicWines.com, LLC and a contributing editor.

More

Lastest from CWTV

  • Sauvignon Blanc with Shellfish - Sauvignon Blanc goes well with shellfish, but do you know the differences in taste from Sauvignon...

  • How To Speak Australian - Wine 101 - Shiraz is one of Australia’s most well known wines.  The grapes are grown throughout A...

  • Terroir - Wine 101 - We all know that the wine world is full of confusing terminology, and one of the most confusing (...

  • Wine 101 - Wine Stoppers - Wine bottles come in many shapes and sizes, and there are just as many styles and types of stoppe...

  • Champagne or Sparkling Wine - They're Both Great - Today Brian Freedman tastes a rose sparkler, "Le Marchesine Franciacorta Rose Millesimato 20...

  • Gold Medal Wine Club - Join us today as Brian Freedman introduces to the Gold Medal Wine Club. This club offers several ...

  • Wonderful Spanish Wines - Wines from Spain are a great value these days. It is a region that is really coming into it's own...

  • Spectacular Super Tuscans - What makes a super tuscan wine super? Join Brian Freedman as he reviews the Ruffino Modus 2005 to...

  • Wine Gifts - What And Where to Buy Online - Host Brian Freedman is here to help you this holiday season. If you've got wine lovers in your li...

  • Micheal Zimberg Reports: Pride Mountain Vineyards - Roving Reporter Michael Zimberg of What Would Mikey Drink gives us an inside look at Pride Mounta...

« Previous Next »

Gigi Expands Its Palate As It Builds Out a New and Improved Wine Cellar

Written By: Randy Torban on Wed, Jul 30th 2008

One thing that makes a restaurant great is its continuing ability to evolve. One great example of this is Gigi Restaurant and Lounge located in Olde City, Philadelphia. An already well established hotspot, Gigi is known for its great food, strong cocktails, and chill decor, but that just isn't enough for owner Sean T. Glynn. Although happy and successful in the niche it has carved out, Gigi is about to begin attacking a new demographic of guests - the wine drinkers.

I had the pleasure of sitting down and having dinner with Tommy Bower, director of operations for Gigi. I have been to Gigi before, but not with chef Adrian Jeronimo at the helm in the kitchen. The tapas brought to the table were wonderful creations of tuna tartare, scallops and watermelon, and beer battered shrimp. And although I happily enjoyed these dishes with one of Gigi's signature mojito's, something was missing - the wine. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a nice cocktail as much as the next guy, especially in July. However, when eating flavorful foods prepared with every detail in mind, it is wine that is the best compliment. Santa Margharita pinot grigio is available on Gigi's wine list, but not by the glass... yet.


Gigi offers fine dining, spirits, and atmosphere.
Tommy agrees and is determined to step up the wines offered to his guests. With an artist like Jeronimo in the kitchen, Tommy wants to spotlight Gigi's dishes in every way possible. Mixed drinks and cocktails are great, but the vodkas, scotches, bourbon's and rum's can overpower so many dishes, where wine can highlight the subtle nuances. These flavors are those that make dishes memorable, and make restaurant guests regulars. My entrée was a perfect example - grilled filet mignon over lobster risotto and grilled asparagus. There were so many flavors intertwining with one another, and the mojito just wasn't cutting it. The Elk Cove pinot noir would have been a nice accompaniment for the meal, but again this wasn't available by the glass.


A quick glance at Gigi's soon-to-be wine bar.
After dinner, Tommy and I talked about how great the food and the ambiance of Gigi are. But as wonderful as everything is, Tommy is still determined to make changes to improve. The best time to make these changes is when you're on top of your game, with an already great customer base. With guests filling almost every seat, it is now the time to introduce new and exciting wines. And not only will guests have a wider selection of great wines to have with their meals, their servers will have first hand knowledge of every bottle available. Imagine that - a restaurant that makes sure their staff can describe and recommend any bottle with the dish the customer chooses.

So whether you're already familiar with Gigi, or looking for a new restaurant to try, head down to 4th and Market Street in Olde City and see what Gigi has been up to. And if you're looking for some entertainment in addition to your meal, ask to see Tommy and ask him to tell you a fishing story - I promise you won't be disappointed.

Bookmark and Share
Leave a Comment
ex. "It was glorious"

Similar Articles

Editor's Picks

  1. Ch. ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2008 Riesling

  2. Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin 2008 Champagne Blend

  3. Robert Mondavi Winery 2008 Merlot