Cedric Bottarlini - new Head Chef at the g Hotel & Spa

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Cedric Bottarlini as our new Head Chef. 

Bringing more than 15 years of international experience to his role, Cedric has recently returned to Galway from Jordan, where he worked as the Executive Sous Chef in a leading luxury 5 star international resort. Trained in France, Cedric has many years’ experience in a variety of top culinary positions around the world. He’s very familiar and well known in the West of Ireland, particularly Galway, having worked in fine establishments such as the Twelve Hotel Barna, Ballynahinch Castle, and Delphi Mountain Resort and Spa. In his role as Head Chef at the g, Cedric will oversee all culinary aspects of the hotels various food offerings including Restaurant gigi’s, the Signature Lounges, weddings and all conference business.

"We are so delighted to bring Cedric on board” explains Triona Gannon, General Manager of the g Hotel. 

"He possesses an incredible mixture of experience, talent, education, and foresight. Our customers are going to love him and what he creates for them."

Commenting on his new appointment, Cedric said, "this is an exciting next chapter in my culinary journey. I'm delighted to be back in Galway and working with the team in the g. I have a number of new, fresh, exciting ideas up my sleeve for the hotel. I'm looking forward to meeting our customers and helping to make their dining experience truly enjoyable. My vision is to bring the guest’s dining experience to the next level with tasty, healthy, exciting and memorable food, all sourced from local producers”.

To sample Cedric’s cuisine, please call 091 865200 to book Restaurant gigi’s or email eat@theg.ie

Galway Oyster Festival

After a busy summer of film, arts, music and horse racing, September is a lovely time in Galway city. We have two oyster festivals to look forward to, Clarenbridge Village festival 12th-14th and the larger Galway International Oyster Festival 25th - 28th September.

The festivals celebrate the native Galway oyster or ostrea edulis - also known as wild oysters. Ireland produces over 750 million tonnes of oysters each year and only a small percentage of these are the native oysters making them highly sought after across the globe. September is the start of the native oyster season as the warmer summer months are when they are reproducing and it is advised not to eat them 1. To allow them ensure a future and 2. they are not at their best in terms of flavour and meatiness. The larger, more widely know Rock oysters are available all year round. 

In 1953, Brian Collins, General Manager of the Great Southern Hotel (now Hotel Meyrick) came up with the idea to create a festival to highlight the new native oyster season each year and the very first Galway Oyster Festival took place in 1954. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2014, the Galway Oyster Festival has seen many guises during its time.     

The traditional highlight, the World Oyster Opening (shucking) Championship takes place on Saturday 27th September and will see oyster professionals from across the globe compete for the coveted title. Last years winner was from Denmark there will be entrants from Japan, China, Singapore, USA, Canada, Estonia, Sweden, Norway, France, Belgium, Italy and England taking on the 2014 challenge. Following the main event, a new favourite of the festival is the Masquerade through the streets of Galway - in it's third year, it embodies the fun and creative nature of Galway and definitely one to book. 

The world is your oyster and for September - Galway is the centre of the oyster world. 

Wellness Membership with ESPA at the g

You will discover an urban oasis in Galway when you visit ESPA at the g. Why not take your health and fitness to new heights with ESPA at the g Wellness Membership?

Spread over two floors, it is one of only three ESPA designed spas in Ireland and offers 8 treatment rooms, 4 beauty suites, vitality pool, crystal steam room, lifestyle shower, rain shower, rock sauna, an ice fountain, heated loungers and a relaxation room.

The Thermal Suite is included in your Wellness Membership.  Part of the overall ESPA at the g spa experience, the Thermal Suite is usually for guests who have booked a treatment. There is a supplement charge should you wish to avail of the Thermal Suite without a treatment. For residents, the charge is just €10.00 and for non-residents, the charge is €30.00 (again if no treatment is booked). This gives you one hour to immerse yourself in the absolute essence of relaxation. Guests are encouraged to book in advance as the number of people allowed in the Thermal Suite at any one time is restricted so that all guests receive a full ESPA experience without overcrowding or unnecessary disturbance.

Wellness Members can enjoy the ESPA at the g facilities 7 days a week. This includes the vitality pool in the Thermal Suite, which has a number of water features such as the two ‘swan necks’ that offer incredibly strong streams of water to work on stubborn muscles, each one targeting the back & shoulders or the hip area depending on your need. For a gentler experience, the separate standing jets produce soft bubbles that will ease tired muscles or aching joints. Alternatively, the underwater bench running along one side of the pool allows you to blissfully float whilst enjoying a more traditional jacuzzi style of frothing water.

The crystal steam room is a favourite for those that enjoy breathing in the goodness of ESPA and intermittent visits during your Thermal Suite experience will help in your overall relaxation and softening of muscles. Deep breaths encouraged!

Lovers of dry heat will opt for the rock sauna but there is always the ice fountain for the more adventurous or the lifestyle showers with tropical and arctic options to keep you fully awake. Cold water ‘keeps you young’ they say!! Alternatively a short snooze on the heated loungers will help to soothe away any remaining knots that city life can bring. 

Following the Thermal Suite, you will enjoy the Relaxation Lounge on the 2^nd floor. Filled with light and large picture windows, the Relaxation Lounge overlooks the rooftop Zen garden.

Wellness Membership with ESPA at the g offers the total solution to your fitness, lifestyle, wellness and spa needs. For just €65 per month, you can avail of the fitness studio 24 hours a day and boost your post workout recovery or just take some ‘you’ time in the Thermal Suite which is also included and available 7 days a week, 12 hours a day (8am-8pm).

Furthermore, with the world’s premier experts, coupled with impeccable service, ESPA at the g offers award winning treatments and was recently awarded ‘Best Hotel Spa’ by Irish Tatler Magazine. Choose from a selection of exquisite treatment experiences using ESPA products of natural origin - Wellness Members receive 20% on selected treatments as well as 10% discount on dining. The g complements the overall ESPA offering by serving light, nutritious refreshments pre or post treatments.

Wellness Membership

1 month €65 - 3 months €180 - 6 months €330

No joining fee or 12 month contract required

Contact espa@theg.ie or Call 091 778460 for more information.

Galway - City of Festivals

Galway is Ireland's third largest city but it has the heart of a village and at this time of year, our heats are bursting with pride at the amazing array of events and festivals that bring so many visitors to our winding streets.

It all starts with St Patrick's Day in March and the community festival which has grown in size and creativity Cúirt Festival of Literature celebrating the written word in all its forms. The poetry readings are a special favourite as are the fun 'pencil scultpures' that pop up around the city and the inviting book shelves fixed on Tigh Neachtains. June brings the Galway Sessions with visiting musicans from Stirling joining forces with local Irish musicians and singers to create a harmonious collaboration of celtic music in a wide variety of traditional venues throughout the city, all organised by the owners of The Crane - a Galway venue renowned for its nightly sessions and impromtu gigis.
over the years to April and the

July has a festival for every week (almost!) and the 2nd week welcome film makers, producers, aspiring writers and many actors from accross the country as well as overseas to network, showcase new films and in many cases, the more experienced teach the new and upcoming in workshops held during the week of the Galway Film Fleadh. The inimitable Galway International Arts Festival takes center stag in mid July. This year the 36^th edition added the title ‘International’ highlighting the variety of cultural treats brimming from the festival line-up. FOr these two weeks, Galway becomes a creative collision of artists, musicians, actors, writers, performers, friends and fans at the edge of Europe. Visitors enjoy vibrant Galway at its best cand can overnight stay at the g hotel , a long with three course dinner in Restaurant gigi’s and full Irish breakfast the following morning from €111 per person sharing. 

The Galway Races Summer Festival takes place over the last 
week of July and for many, is the highlight of the summer social calendar! At the g we are delighted to have a superb line up with our Best Hat Competition and Philip Treacy prize on Ladies Day, Tipster Breakfasts on Thursday & Friday with racing personalities Davy Russell and Jim Culloty plus live entertainment every night from a score of talented musicians including The Piano Man - Sean de Burca, Jazz Vocalists Keith McDonald & Mike Corbett and the amazing 10 piece Papazitas as well as late night beats from our resident DJ.

Full Galway Race Week Schedule.

If you can make it to Galway, soak up the exhilarating atmosphere of the Galway Races at the g hotel, enjoying a two night stay with full Irish breakfast each morning from €220 per person sharing.  


 

Glamour at the g

Since 2007, The g Hotel has hosted
fashion events to celebrate milestone events and more recently to raise funds for worthy charities. Aptly named Glamour at the g, the 2014 edition took place on Thursday 12th June and proceeds were donated to Console, COPE Galway and Irish Autism Action.

The evening was a huge success and saw a stunning array of fashion, style, youth and maturity descend on The g. Today FM's Louise Duffy guided guests through the impressive list of Irish designers and Catwalk Modelling Agency produced a show worthy of London Fashion Week! 

The world of fashion is a kaleidoscope of colours and creativity. Perhaps it is the ever changing seasons in Ireland that helped to create so many talented designers such as Joanne Hynes, Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney? Could the soft beginnings of Spring have inspired Laura J Halton or the riotous brightness of Summer for Helen Steele?
The richness of Autumn in Ireland certainly contributed to Niamh O'Neill's collection and the glint of winter sun on metal have captured a fan in Emma Manley.

Ireland has fired the imaginations of designers for centuries and a new wealth of milliners have also come forth since Philip Treacy first reached the heights of fame in 1991. Also renowned as design director of The g, Philip's success has encouraged many Irish designers to stride forth into the style arena so that they too might have the opportunity to count the British Royal Family, Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga and Sarah Jessica Parker amongst their clients. 

Fiona Mangan already designs for Zara Philips whilst Natalie B Coleman has provided gorgeous outfits for Marina and the Diamonds. Galway has long been known as Ireland's cultural heart with many local crafts high on visitors wish lists. Traditional crafts are still in existence but the skills set is diversifying and the impressive list of successful Galway milliners include Edel Ramberg, Mark T Burke, Emily Jean, Andrea Tighe, Caithriona King, Michael Mullins, Mary White and Suzie Mahony all helping to place the City of Tribes on the twenty first century style map.

Not forgetting the gents, men's fashion now covers a wide range of styles but Louis Copeland still rules the art of classic and is behind one of Ireland's best known tailoring dynasties. Moving in celebrity circles, his passion is contagious and actress and author Amy
Huberman now has a line of shoes as does Ireland Rugby hero Tommy Bowe.

Whilst The g did not create the world of fashion, our Philip Treacy designed walls and suites have certainly claimed the Number 1 position in the hearts of fashionistas, stylists, creatives and those that dare to dream....success and hard work can lead to dizzy heights for all Irish designers.

Glamour at the g brought 450 guests - 10 Irish Designers - 9 Galway Milliners and 3 worthy Charities together for 1 electric fashion extravaganza. Thank you to all who worked so hard on this years event and we hope to see you at the next one!

The Perfect Father’s Day at The g

Father - strong, warm, fun, teacher, supporter, reliable, laughing, never failing, pocket money, itchy (those with beards), grass cutter, spider catcher....all random words that come to mind when asked to describe the first hero of a son, the first love of a daughter - their Father. Today we celebrate the Dads that are in our lives and cherish the memories of our Father's who are no longer with us, reliving those special moments between father and child as the world officially recognises Sunday 15th June as Father's Day.

We are calling all fantastic fathers, dashing dads and gorgeous gran-dads - The g is the perfect choice for making your Father’s Day a special one!

Gather the whole family and celebrate with a delicious family lunch in Restaurant gigi's for €25.00 for 2 courses and €29.00 for 3 courses. Children's Menu also served.  For 2014 the g has introduced a Family Sharing Menu at €29.00 per person for 3 courses including a choice of starter, large family roast to share and a tempting dessert. There will be a special gift of a pint of Guinness for all Dads when dining in Restaurant gigi’s on Father’s Day this year.

Indulge your Dad with a Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea for €59.00 for two which includes a Selection of Savoury Goodies such as Mini ‘g’ Burger, The Ploughman’s, The Turkey & Brie Club, Smoked Salmon on Brown Soda Bread and an Assortment of Sweet Treats; The Yorkie Choc Chip Cookie, The ‘g’ Apple Pie, ‘Fried Egg’ Meringue Nest with Lemon Curd, The Jack Daniels Cake, all served with a choice of hot beverage.

Make a fuss of your Father with a voucher from ESPA at the g. Ideal for dads, grandads & dads to Be! Choose from: ESPA Fitness Massage, ESPA Men’s Shoulder, Neck & Face Massage or ESPA Full Body Massage with Hot Stones, gift vouchers available from €70. World leaders in spa design and product, ESPA developed the spa concept at the g. Situated on the upper two floors of the hotel, ESPA at the g comprises vitality pool, crystal steam room, lifestyle shower, rain shower, rock sauna, an ice fountain, heated loungers, 8 treatment rooms and a relaxation room overlooking the rooftop Zen garden.

For more information call the g Hotel on 091 865200 or email info@theg.ie.

Galway - Foodie Town!

Galway has been nominated as a Foodie Town of Ireland. This gastro scene is simmering away in Galway right now with the only Michelin star restaurant on the entire west coast (Aniar) as well as many other consistently great eateries, an extremely active Slow Food group and a wealth of quality artisan producers as well as the oldest food festival in Ireland, the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival each September and the newer Galway Food Festival at Easter.

Can you spare a few minutes? Read with us and picture yourself in Galway for the day - we guarantee you'd love our 'Foodie' day out....

IMAGINE....The birds are singing......the sun is rising........and the sky is brightening into the cool fresh blue of a crisp summer's morning. After an early morning coffee at Gourmet Tart, the perfect Galway day always starts with a brisk walk on Salthill Prom. Stretching 2km, the prom is a hive of activity no matter what the weather. Couples - new & old, friends, families, grandchildren & their pets all gravitate to the coastal walk. Some breathe in the fresh sea air, others enjoy the stunning view of The Burren (UNESCO site), talking at nineteen to the dozen swapping their week of stories in less than an hour but ALL 'kick the wall'. No-one really knows how this started but it’s a tradition that we all uphold and observant visitors join in. 

The Salthill Prom leads into The Claddagh, Galway's original fishing village and the home of a graceful bevy of swans. Feeding the swans is an enjoyable way to build up an appetite for brunch and a great activity for families as there is an adjoining playground. The sound of 'higher higher' mingled with excited squeals of fun are all part of a good day in Galway.

In addition to weekly brunch at The g (Jazz brunch 1st Sunday of every month), there are a wide range of options in the city from the vegetarian friendly Kitchen at the Museum, the Boho Ard Bia at Nimmos, An Cupan Tae Tea house with sinfully good cakes as well as over 30 loose leaf teas and many more in the Latin Quarter.

Once you are nicely full, stroll under Spanish Arch, across old Fish-market Square where the women of Claddagh used to sell their fish up to the early 20th century. Pedestrian Quay Street will be teeming with locals and visitors enjoying the much loved atmosphere in Galway. If you're lucky, a group of talented musicians may be balancing above you on bollards as they entertain the crowd that have gathered. The mood is light, smiles are bright and life is good in Galway.

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Further up the street you'll arrive at Galway's famous bustling market which has been trading by St

Nicholas' Collegiate Church for centuries. Winding though the stalls, you will glimpse stunning photography, colourful woollen knits, aromatic pestos & marinades, Galway oysters, Irish cheeses, hand carved wooden furniture, a falafel stall, spicy curries, freshly dug up carrots beside seasonal fruit bursting with flavour and so much more. The market is open all year round on Saturdays from 8.00am to 6.00pm.

Still walking off your brunch, continue to the boardwalk along the River Corrib and make your way towards the Cathedral and Salmon Weir bridge to watch the fisherman as they stand firm against the fast moving waters to claim their prize. Beyond lies Lough Corrib, the 3rd largest lake in the whole of Ireland and home to some of Europe's greatest pike fishing.

If your love of cheese is as strong as ours you'll be drawn back towards Sheridan's Cheesemongers & Wine Bar for a nibble (maybe even a tipple!) where you'll no doubt meet a range of people with competing opinions but a shared love of food and the local landscape. Whiskey lovers will have discovered McCambridges by now, dating from 1925, this family run business is a great supporter of local producers and the spot to pick up a taste of Galway or treat yourself to a gift of whiskey. The manager Luke is incredibly passionate about their offering, as is Jimmy Griffin of Griffins Bakery further
down the street, who's family have been baking bread for the people of Galway since 1876 (their congar bread is a particular favourite). As they say, food without passion is just a business and the foodie peeps of Galway have a dynamism in their veins that is brimming with potential.

Overall, the city of Galway has the humming vibe of a city but the gentle heart of a village and we hope your imagination could hear the sounds and smell the aromas of a city that deserves the title of Foodie Town of Ireland.

Love Food? Vote Galway!