It is a simple concept that has made Gi-Gi's Italian Eatery successful: a love of food. And who better to serve up the traditional dishes of Italy than the Italians themselves?
“It starts with a passion for food,” said David Lanni, manager of the restaurant.
Lanni, along with the restaurant's owner, Sonia Prezio, are descendents of Italian immigrants.
“We actually know what we're talking about (regarding Italian food),” Lanni said.
And they should. Growing up with Italian immigrant parents, Lanni and Prezio learned about Italy first-hand through the stories and recipes of their parents.
Much of the menu at Gi-Gi's reflects their childhood and the food they were raised on.
For Lanni, the menu's Fritto Misto brings back memories.
“For me that's a very traditional dish, it reminds me of Christmas,” said Lanni, who explained that for his Italian family, eating fish was a holiday treat.
Fritto Misto is a combination of shrimp, calamari and scallops battered and fried, then served with mustard or cocktail sauce.
Because the menu was developed from their personal food histories, Lanni and Prezio take the dishes at Gigi's seriously.
“We care … we take it personal,” Lanni said, describing his and Prezio's feeling towards the food. “This is what we are here for.”
In addition to serving standard Italian dishes such as chicken parmigiana, Gi-Gi's offers fresh takes on Italian options.
For example, Lanni recommends starting the meal with an order of Grilled Portabella Mushrooms, which are served with grilled polenta and rosemary infused goat cheese sauce.
Instead of ordering the same menu item at every Italian restaurant, Lanni encourages guests to try one of the restaurant's unique dishes, such as the Wild Mushroom Salad, which includes warm, sauteed mushrooms, or the Lamb Chop, which is served honey-glazed.
The restaurant's unique food compliments the one-of-a-kind atmosphere, designed with relaxation in mind. Overlooking the El Camino Country Club, Gi-Gi's offers an excellent view of both Carlsbad and Oceanside. Inside the restaurant, classical music streams throughout the establishment. Dark tables are a stark contrast to the white walls, but together create a calming effect.
“Once people come one time, that's probably all they need (to get hooked on the restaurant),” Lanni said.
For diners who can not make up their mind, or those who are new to the restaurant, a buffet is available for lunch and dinner, and includes a smorgasbord of the menu's offerings.
“It starts with a passion for food,” said David Lanni, manager of the restaurant.
Lanni, along with the restaurant's owner, Sonia Prezio, are descendents of Italian immigrants.
“We actually know what we're talking about (regarding Italian food),” Lanni said.
And they should. Growing up with Italian immigrant parents, Lanni and Prezio learned about Italy first-hand through the stories and recipes of their parents.
Much of the menu at Gi-Gi's reflects their childhood and the food they were raised on.
For Lanni, the menu's Fritto Misto brings back memories.
“For me that's a very traditional dish, it reminds me of Christmas,” said Lanni, who explained that for his Italian family, eating fish was a holiday treat.
Fritto Misto is a combination of shrimp, calamari and scallops battered and fried, then served with mustard or cocktail sauce.
Because the menu was developed from their personal food histories, Lanni and Prezio take the dishes at Gigi's seriously.
“We care … we take it personal,” Lanni said, describing his and Prezio's feeling towards the food. “This is what we are here for.”
In addition to serving standard Italian dishes such as chicken parmigiana, Gi-Gi's offers fresh takes on Italian options.
For example, Lanni recommends starting the meal with an order of Grilled Portabella Mushrooms, which are served with grilled polenta and rosemary infused goat cheese sauce.
Instead of ordering the same menu item at every Italian restaurant, Lanni encourages guests to try one of the restaurant's unique dishes, such as the Wild Mushroom Salad, which includes warm, sauteed mushrooms, or the Lamb Chop, which is served honey-glazed.
The restaurant's unique food compliments the one-of-a-kind atmosphere, designed with relaxation in mind. Overlooking the El Camino Country Club, Gi-Gi's offers an excellent view of both Carlsbad and Oceanside. Inside the restaurant, classical music streams throughout the establishment. Dark tables are a stark contrast to the white walls, but together create a calming effect.
“Once people come one time, that's probably all they need (to get hooked on the restaurant),” Lanni said.
For diners who can not make up their mind, or those who are new to the restaurant, a buffet is available for lunch and dinner, and includes a smorgasbord of the menu's offerings.