Gia — Restaurant in Greensboro

So just got back from my floral association meeting! We had it at Gia Drink Eat Listen, on New Garden Rd. and I figured I would do a little review on my experience. First off, the space itself if fabulously decorated, and has a very rustic feel to it. I had a starter cocktail called the Femme Fatal, (Grey Goose Cherry Noir, Lemonade, Grenadine, and Prosecco) off of there signature cocktails which are $11 each, and there is a list of about 20 or so. We had a specialty menu with limited choices, but it was very well done. Everything came out in a tasting size, and there were 4 courses. First we started with a "Chef feature salad", which is how it was presented on our menu. It was arugula, fresh snow peas, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Now I can say that there was a great deal of the toppings on the salad, but it didn't have a drop of dressing! After quite a few of us had asked for dressing they brought out what I could assume was, mayo, lemon, salt and pepper mixture. (Just a side note, the salad was the ONLY thing that was not to my liking!) Following the salad, was our second course of assorted schiaciate (Sicilian Flatbread). These were especially yummy, we had 4 different types I believe! There was a, sweet pepper and spicy italian sausage, with mozzarella; a spinach and goat cheese; tomato, mozzarella, and (I believe basil, I did not try this one); and the last was a classic pepperoni! Our third course was a wood fired cauliflower with garlic, red onion and basil vinaigrette! This dish was probably my FAVORITE of the evening! Absolutely incredible! Our main course was between a pan seared chicken with prosciutto, lemon, and a marsala reduction with sauted spinach or a five spice salmon with ponzu sauce over a spinach salad and mandarin orange slices. I myself had the salmon, which was very moist and flaky. I had ordered it rare, but it care out about med-rare to med. and was perfectly fine! With my dinner, I had a glass of Montipiller Pinot Noir, and it had an incredible flavor of fresh wild berries and vanilla with just a hint of spice! Minus the alcohol the price per person was $25, we had a group of about 20. All in all, I say that this new establishment is a welcome addition to Greensboro, I wish it the best of luck and I HIGHLY recommend that my fellow Greensboro Citizens to go and EAT, DRINK, and LISTEN with Gia! My compliments to the chef and the owner! You and your staff were wonderful! I enjoyed my first visit and can not wait to come again for dinner! Il pranzo era delizioso. Grazie...

We had dinner here Thursday with a close friend to celebrate a major move upward for him in his career in the restaurant industry - he's a true professional with a track record of accomplishment and longevity. Gia seemed like a nice choice for this moment as we had shared our first dinner here with him, as well.

This visit was actually our 3rd here, 2 coming in the last several weeks. The first experience was well over a year ago, and we left with a sense of the potential here, but a wait and see attitude for several reasons. The second visit was a pleasant one, much improved other the first. This latest was near perfect, one of those defining culinary moments that helps you identify a restaurant as exceptional, from your own perspective at least, if that level of quality can be achieved consistently, always the key,

We ask for a table near the window, and were quickly seated by Nino Giaimo, the personable owner. Lindsay was our wait person, and between the efforts of the two of them, the success of our evening was most assured. Our drink orders were placed and filled in the most timely manner we'd experienced here, and this was consistent throughout the evening.

We started with the Chef's Charcuterie Plate ($16), a nice selection of meat and cheeses, all of which were excellent. We followed this with a Prosciutto & Arugula FlatBread ($9), Veal Scaloppini ($12), Pan-Seared Chicken Breast ($9), and Flash Fried Artichokes ($7). Based on Lindsay's recommendation, we paired these with a very nice wine, Los Rocas Garnacha 2009 ($38). Most of the choices were excellent, especially the Charcuterie, the Chicken, and the flatbread. The Veal is not a dish I'd order again, as I prefer it prepared in a different manner.

We chose the Tiramisu ($8) and one of the featured desserts with a small fruit Macaroon, Chocolate Mousse, and a dark chocolate torte. Mr. Giaimo recommended a J. Lohr Harvest Riesling ($10.95) with a small Biscotti for dunking (a family tradition) - Yeap, dunking! Excellent.

All in all, one of the most pleasant dining experiences we've enjoyed in a while. The food and drink were excellent, but had been for the most part, in our previous visits. The service provided by Lindsay & Mr. Giaimo was what elevated this to the sublime. Thanks to both - We'll be back, looking for that elusive...

GIA was kind enough to accept the challenge of catering our off-site charitable event for 250 guests with fairly short notice. It probably didn’t help that our event happened to fall on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. No worries, as team GIA collaborated with our team in a way that resulted in great success. The GIA team was amazingly accommodating. We would be remiss if we didn’t thank a few people individually. And, I suggest if you are ever in the restaurant and given the opportunity to meet these fine people, you should jump at the chance. Not only are they consummate professionals, but they are tremendous people that have a service first mentality. They anticipated and addressed our every need.

Our process began with Megan. Folks, there may be no finer “event” planner and restaurant GM than Megan. She was fabulous to work with and was spot on with her estimates (which in my mind is one of the hardest parts of planning such a large event). Nino was in control of every finite detail with such accuracy and professionalism. This is an owner that knows the hospitality and restaurant industry and delivered on all fronts. Nino expertly oversaw the entire night’s events without a single hiccup.

The off-site event staff were incredible. Not only did they provide excellence in service, but they all have incredible personalities and were highly enjoyable to work with! Thanks to Joel, Vince, Mackenzie, Joshua, Drew, Anna Marie, and Sierra for everything you did for our charity. Your attitudes and professionalism are unparalleled.

Although the event was offsite, it was as if you popped into the restaurant to enjoy dinner and drinks for the evening. Our guests gave rave reviews on the food and Nino’s world famous GIA craft cocktails. We simply cannot give enough kudos to Nino and his team who followed his polished lead.

The next time you are thinking about hosting an event that requires restaurant space OR most importantly catering services, please do yourself a huge favor and remember...