related items
As luck would have it, my friend Linda and I discovered Gigi's Italian Kitchen & Catering by sheer accident — well, the multiple signs along the road announcing its recent opening were a big help. We were on our way to another restaurant when this one unwittingly became our Plan B. After our lunch (and the tip that we could get a free dinner on our birthday or anniversary), it cemented its role as a future Plan A.
The mood
The decor has an established feel (the mauve-y colors, the dated carpet), while the welcome greeting and subsequent service made us feel like we'd walked inside someplace really familiar. There's a fun vibe: place the table's stand-up Italian flag on the corner to "flag down" a server; a sign on each table offers bibs for the asking because "We guarantee that our red sauce will be attracted to your white shirt;" the motto is "Gigi's – Feeding the world one meatball at a time!"
The food
My favorite thing about the menu is its variety (and the prices are decent, too), including a section called "Not So Italian Sandwiches" with pork, chicken wings, cajun tuna and other American fare.
Linda settled on the Turkey Artichoke Panini ($8.25), a tasty blend of roasted turkey, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese and spicy mayo. The bread was extra crispy but not burnt, the feta was completely melted, and the mayo had a kick that lingered a few seconds after each bite but wasn't overpowering.
After a bite of her panini (having begged for her to share some of it with me) I declared that I'd come back specifically to order it. I'd gone with the Veal Parmigiana Sandwich ($7.95), with breaded veal cutlets, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and homemade red sauce, because it's what I always ordered in Italian restaurants as a kid (and oftentimes as an adult). But despite the menu description, the veal wasn't tender. It wasn't terrible; I was just disappointed.
Both meals came with an abundant supply of steak fries and a pickle.
The drinks Sodas ($1.99; free refills), coffee and tea ($1.49), espresso and specialty coffees ($1.99 to $3.75). No liquor license yet, but hopefully by the end of summer.
The damage: $21
Next time ...
The Turkey Artichoke Panini, of course. Then, on my third visit, I'll try another one of my favorite pastimes: grilled cheese. Gigi's Ultimate Grilled Cheese ($6.95) features smoked Gouda, Swiss, sharp cheddar and aged provolone.
