I have a confession: I am in love. Hopelessly so. Her name is Gigi. Gigi from Cape Town. The truth is I am in love with George too. And not any George. The fabulous, Gorgeous George.
Before you phone my husband & plan an intervention, you should know this: he is in on the whole deal too! He, too, is head over heels for Gigi. AND for George. Can you blame us? It was at Gigi Rooftop (Restaurant) in Gardens, Cape Town, that we had the best date night in a long long time.
Everything at George is gorgeous. A real South African gem. And Gigi Rooftop on the sixth floor is quite literally the cherry on top!
The Gorgeous George hotel is located in Cape Town city centre inside two carefully restored heritage buildings. This design focussed hotel is the first in South Africa to be part of the prestigious Design Hotels™ – a collection of privately owned, design-centric hotels around the globe. We were met with a “Hello Gorgeous” on arrival but weren’t quite sure if it was “Welcome to gorgeous”. We soon learned that all visitors to the hotel & restaurant are greeting with “Hello Gorgeous”!
In a time when the word ‘curated’ is thrown around so carelessly, we have become quite blah about it.
Enter Gorgeous George. And Gigi. During the three years that the hotel & rooftop were in the making, everything from the floor tiles, the giant hand-painted Cape Town map by artist Lucie de Moyencourt, the wallpaper, bathrooms, sculptures, artworks & staff was meticulously selected, crafted & sourced.
Every staff member from Gigi’s manager Lita, to General Manager Peter & our waiter Fernando was flamboyant without being intrusive.
And then you get to the cocktails. Ah, the cocktails.
Gigi’s Mixologist, Jody Rahme crafts the most unique drinks, like “George of the Jungle”. Served in the most epic little mug-glass. A tad sweet for my own taste but super yum. I did have some orders envy when our neighbours ordered the “Carrot me away” cocktail. The presentation is simply fabulous with a ceramic rabbit in the mist (aka dry ice).
The indecisive FOMO diner in me opted for two small plates as a main course.
I chose the Spicy Lamb Ribs (with mielie salsa, house-made BBQ sauce & pickled cucumber). So good that I could have eaten two portions! I added a Jerusalem Artichoke Salad to this; served with caramelized olive, Burrata cheese & pickled mushrooms. Those ribs are dangerously delicious, so my advice is that if you go for a salad, have it first.
Ernie is no risk-taker when it comes to food & decided on a Dry-Aged Oak Valley Beef Fillet with peppercorn sauce. All steaks are grilled to order in a wood-fire over Kameeldoring wood-coals on the indoor braai. His words: “this is the best piece of meat that I’ve had in my life”.
To end, we had the tricky task of choosing between many delightful options – including Churros which come highly recommended. After much deliberation, the Milk & Honey CRÈME with Honeycomb, yogurt & honey gelato was chosen. Topped with Vanilla toasted nuts & granadilla – a real treat! The grand finale was the 70% Afrikoa Choc Fondant served with naartjie textured, gooseberry compote, dried choc mousse & salted caramel ice cream. This was next level. Gooey on the inside & beautifully plated. The perfect kind of end to the perfect meal.
Three hurrahs for Chef Guy Bennett, Fernando & the rest of the Gigi team! What a gorgeous experience.
Thanx for having us Gigi. We’ll be back for more Gorgeousness, a splash in the pool & a sleepover. Soon. Very soon.
Yolandi ♥
Images: My own & supplied.
Our meal was courtesy of Gigi’s, but my opinion remains my own.