Rating: ***** Five Stars: EXCELLENT
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Gigi Trattoria
6422 Montgomery Street
Rhinebeck, New York
Tel.845 876-1007
I have had the good fortune of having traveled to many countries throughout the world. I have tasted world cuisine. I have lived in Latin America, Cuba and Mexico. And Morocco and Angola,in Africa, The U.S.A, Canada, and in Europe Spain Germany and France. And especially Italy, and I know very well real delicious Italian -Mediterranean cuisine.
Whenever I am in Rhinebeck I will ask local residents of the village where I can go to enjoy delicious Italian --Mediterranean-- good, good food. Their response is quick:" Gigi". Their honest answer is always: " Gigi". Their affection for the owner, and staff and restaurant Gigi is moving. And that doesn't surprise me at all. Gigi Trattoria is a charming rustic place embodying culinary excellence.
Owner Laura Pensiero, at the helm, and her skillful crew make the delicious fine dining experience happen with a proven unique stylish cookery Ms Pensiero knows her craft well. The cuisine is fined tuned. The accolades, awards, and positive reviews are many. Here is an excellent review well deserved:
Gigi Trattoria - Italian Mediterranean Restaurant:
Gigi Trattoria Italian-Mediterranean Restaurant nestled in the bucolic and architecturally beautiful village of Rhinebeck, New York, showcases a super array of outstanding wines and cocktails and very fine Italian food served at its well appointed dining rooms. Al fresco patio dining is available when the season permits it. Early Spring brings out a new menu.
Begin your Al Fresco dining at Gigi Trattoria with a Mediterranean Cocktail:
Try the classic Negroni, or the Bellini, or other Italian Cocktails with an accompaniment of delectable Spring appetizers: The Salmon Croquettes with Chipolte Aioli, or the Chorizo Shrimp empanada platter. Both are sure to pleased. Or try the Harissa Cauliflower "Steak" entree served with a Fava bean puree. And don't leave out the tasty rosemary french fries. And you are on your way on a fast ride to culinary Heaven. Really delicious, elegant, nutritious food and delicious, elegant cocktails properly paired, and food beautifully plated enhance the overall dining presentation and ambiance of joyous eating outdoors at Gigi.
Gigi Trattoria is a cordial and relaxing place to enjoy a Margherita or a Bianca Skizza, -- thin flatbread pizzas. Or you can also have the Gigi meatballs, cooked to timely tenderness, served with Arrabbiata sauce and fresh Ricotta, And order a fabulous Montepulciano D Abruzzo Reserve red wine to start on a delectable Italian gastronomic journey. The dining rooms are artistically decorated. The menu is moderately priced. The ambiance is welcoming. The extensive wine list is serious--with great Barolos, Chianti, Toscanna, Brunellos, and Amarones, just to mention a few varietals. The well crafted and delicious appetizers and salads will not disappoint: The Barbina, a nicely created nutritious salad is delicious: a very popular salad to start with. The French Onion Soup is hearty and superb.
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Host Chef-owner, Laura Pensiero, a French Culinary Institute graduate and nutritionist is celebrating twenty two years in the restaurant business. She has received Master Class instructions from top chefs of the world like Jacques Pepin, Andre Soltner and others in the field . In my professional opinion, and by all accounts heard on the street from people, and from gourmands and food writers, she is Numero Uno. Her credentials in gastronomy are impressive. She is the Primier Chef of Italian cuisine in Rhinebeck. And she will see that your dining experience at Gigi's will be a most civilized and memorable culinary affair. Ms Pensiero is a book author (Hudson Valley Mediterranean) and Radio and Television personality with a concrete understanding of food science and nutrition. Point of fact is that her food is delicious, and healthy and well crafted in a nutritional superior way above her other restaurants competitors. And her very tasty food reflects a finely well tuned food magic uniquely her own that is greatly appreciated by her guests. She is also a very friendly, graceful and a creative professional ---- par excellence. She greets and converses with her guests very often. And that makes the very big difference to creating great ambiance. A big win in food, wine and hospitality
Gigi restaurant has a stupendous selection of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The well coordinated kitchen team is masterfully at work creating healthy exciting dishes. The home- made Tagliatelle cooked al dente and served with Gigi Bolognese Ragu, fresh Ricotta and a drizzle of olive oil is a standout. Pair it with a Bruna Grimaldi, Nebbiolo de Alba. Or try the 12 oz Hangar Steak served with mashed potatoes and broccolini. The steak is tender and succulent. And pair it with a fine Brunello-- a sure delight for the discriminating palate. Or if you are more ambitious and hungry have the Gigi Burger-- a mouth-- watering, juicy 1/2 pound of beef cooked to perfection. Served with red onions, tomato, honey mustard, horseradish cream, ketchup, pickle and herbed fries,
Or go for a Big 16 oz Grilled Cowboy Ribeye, a luscious perfectly grilled Beef Steak served with Black Truffle Butter, Tuscan fries and Broccolini. And pair it with a Big Brunello di Montalcino wine or a big Amarone. A sure winner---a really rich noble meal.
The rest of the menu concocted by Ms Pensiero is quite a culinary knockout when paired with her exquisite wines. Her wine cellar also stocks really popular white varietals like the Pouilly Fuisse, Chalet Pouilly 2019 and the chilled crisp and elegant Albarino, Pazo das Bruxas, Familia Torres, Rias Baixas. Or return to the Italiano stock and enjoy a sexy well structured Falanghina white with a Spanish seafood entree: Gambas al Ajillo: A cleverly made very tasty marriage of Spanish style, tender, garlicky shrimp served with Italian foccacia bread. Soo very delicious. Another delicious treat is the Spanish Pollo: Grilled Chicken, Sliced Apples, Gruyere Cheese, Arugula, and Honey Mustard on a pressed Focaccia bread served with salad. A big win in creativity.
A friendly and competent staff at Gigi Trattoria will contribute to a fine dining experience: Maitre d Bruce Murphy, charming and learned, and a talented visual artist as well will promptly seat you and send a waiter to your table. Pronto. Mr Murphy's artistic work, that adorns the walls of the main dining room are a visual delight to admire while dining.
Servers: Paulo S, Jean Luc, and Emiliano are true professionals, friendly, and polite. They will attend to your needs promptly. And answer expertly your questions about cuisine and specials of the day, and wine, champagne, and Love.------their love of working at the restaurant and more.
Bartender, Kelly, is a natural. A real professional highly trusted and respected for her bar tending expertise. She has been with Gigi many years. She is the best and most admired bartender in Rhinebeck. Her professional demeanor is complemented with a friendly and fun disposition very much admired by her many patrons. Her hospitable bar aura is contagious. She is warm and sociable-- making the bar guests feel welcomed-- adding a more enjoyable experience as they partake of good drinks and food. The patrons know there is good vibe at the Gigi bar. Kelly sees to that And the patrons know Kelly is the best. ---------------- They'll be back for more.
The second bartender in command at the Gigi bar, when Kelly is off from working, is a young polished professional,-- Mr Richard D' Andrea. He is well versed in drinks and cocktails, bar craft ethos and presentations as well. He is very good. He greets his guest in a polite and friendly way. He is knowledgeable about fine wines, rums and bourbons. People seating at the bar like him a lot. A big win in staff.
The dessert menu is equally delicious: Bakery Chef Daniiel Liria, who tenured at Deisings Bakery, is very talented and technically adroit in his field. His desserts are delicious, rich, creamy and dreamy. The cheesecake is very good, and the Italian Lemon Cake fabulous as well. The Gigi Tiramisu , a sumptuous and scrumptious multi textured lightly sweetened mascarpone and coffee treat is popular and a must have. The best in Rhinebeck and the Hudson Valley. A super big win in pastries. Thanks to the skills and creative vision of Mr Daniel Lira.
The real deal is that people in general, including a U.S President, and European Aristocrats, Foreign Diplomats, Tourist, Patrons, and Foodies, Gourmands, Chefs, Hollywood Celebrities, and Culturati know that at Gigi restuarant there really exists an excellent and authentic Italian culinary culture at work here, a great convivial energy, and a festive spirit as well. This is the eatery to go for innovative exquisite Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. And Ms Laura Pensiero is making it happen on a daily basis at her beloved Gigi Trattoria Restaurant in Rhinebeck New York.
Rating: ***** Five Stars, EXCELLENT
Review by: Baron Corso de Palenzuela von Habsburg:
International restaurant critic, Chef, wine, food, beer and chocolate connoisseur. Baron Corso can be reached at 845 706-1244
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