TheTaste.ie at Restaurant gigi's

We are regularly visited by International and Irish media who write great articles on travelling to Galway for a midweek break, a weekend escape or a summer getaway. The food at the g Hotel & Spa is also featured on a regular basis and since Cedric Bottarlini took over the reins of the kitchen last year, we have welcomed a number of well known faces. One of our favourite recent reiews is from Niamh Mannion of TheTaste.ie. We just love her way with words so have blatantly copied segemts of her review and the link to the full aticle is below.

"Like the rest of the hotel, Restaurant gigi’s is sumptuously decorated in deep rich colours and plush fabrics that are warm and inviting. Despite being spacious there is nothing stark and minimalist here but rather, this is a room that encourages you to spoil yourself! With this in mind, and after being shown to our table, we decided to have cocktails whilst we examined the menu in greater detail. Sipping on a very well-mixed Negronis and nibbling on the wonderful selection of breads which had arrived at our table soon after we were seated, we decided to opt for the ‘Indulge’ menu."

"Our starters of Crab & Asparagus and Crisp Irish Free-Range Pork-Belly were both beautifully presented and we descended upon them with gay abandon. Mixed through the crab were little nuggets of diced apple which complemented the crabmeat perfectly and leant a fruity freshness to the dish. The quenelle of crab bavarois presented atop the crabmeat was, by contrast, rich and silky-smooth and completely addictive. The classic paring with steamed green asparagus along with a spear of lightly pickled white asparagus and an asparagus purée excited the taste-buds as all the best starters should… leaving an air of anticipation regarding the dishes to follow."

"The other main course of Sliced Peppered Sirloin Steak & Braised Rib was absolutely superb. Here wonderfully flavoursome sirloin steak had been perfectly cooked medium-rare to order. This was a well-aged, prime cut of quality beef so perhaps it was to be expected that it would be good, but the slow-cooked rib was every bit as good. Thinly sliced radishes with their fresh peppery crunch and sweet heritage carrots danced a metaphorical jig across the plate, so artfully had they been placed. This was a dish that screamed EAT ME! The spinach purée with its iron-rich flavour was faultless........As an aside, I would strongly recommend the Sweet Potato Fries… believe me, they are truly exceptional!"

For the quality of the food on offer, Restaurant gigi’s offers great value for money. Rather cleverly, the
restaurant has managed to provide options that will appeal to the more conservative diner but also something for those with adventurous palates. Each dish that I ate was beautifully presented and contained elements that surprised and charmed in equal measure.....Each individual menu in Restaurant gigi’s arsenal is just the right length and overall there is plenty of choice and many tempting dishes. More importantly, what restaurant gigi’s does, it does well… very well! Service was impeccable with staff who were friendly and attentive and well-informed about the menu and the ingredients used. This is a restaurant that clearly has high ambitions and a desire to create a delicious dining experience using quality, locally-sourced ingredients. This it achieves and it is easy to see why it has been awarded and has retained an AA 2 Rosette rating for three years running."

Thank you Niamh for visiting and for your kind words. Follow Niamh on Twitter or SEE THE FULL REVIEW HERE

Galway Hookers - Traditional Fishing Boats

Galway has a long established connection with the sea and it is easy to see references to our maritime history from the iron fountain at the top of Eyre Square (rusted to mirror the colour of Hooker sails) to the logo of Galway itself. We are a city that grew through port trading and of course fishing. The Claddagh area was originally a fishing village and there was once hundreds of vessels known as ‘Galway Hookers’. They are an iconic symbol of Galway and an integral part of Irish heritage. 

With the arrival of electricity and the improvement in road transport the hookers were no longer able to earn their keep and fell into disrepair. Also the fishing industry went into decline due to increasing competition from larger trawlers fishing in Galway Bay. This gradually led to reduction in the city hooker fleet as the larger and more efficient trawlers began to take over. However in 1978 the Galway Hooker Association was formed to promote and preserve these wonderful craft and to oversee the annual regattas. Since then new boats have been commissioned and built in Connemara and then more recently the Claddagh Boatmen or in gaelic Bádórí anCladaig came together in the city of Galway. Now you will regularly see local Claddagh Boats taking part in Festivals and city regattas. There is nothing more magical than watching the rich maroon hues of a Galway Hooker sail up the Corrib with Spanish Arch in the background.

There are two companies offering excursions on Galway Hookers - Bow Waves based in the city and Wild Atlantic Adventures based in Roundstone. It is a fantastic experience that gives an unrivalled view of Galway Bay and the surrounding countryside and highly recommend you take the time.

There are four classes of Galway Hooker:

• Bád Mór (pronounced bawd more), 35-44 ft
• Leath Bhád (pronounced la fawd), 32 ft
• Gleoiteog (pronounced gloychug), 24-28 ft
• Púcán (pronounced pookawn)

 For further information on Galway or accommodation, please see www.theghotel.ie 

Charity begins at Home

At the g Hotel & Spa we are privileged to work with dedicated charities each year to help them raise much needed funds. In 2015 our chosen charities are Croí Galway, NBCRI and Console.

Our staff also support some personal charities that have touched their communities or their families. Alzheimer's Society of Ireland is one of these and we recently held a Tea Day in the g where members of our team (not chefs) baked goodies at home and we then served them with complimentary tea and coffee with a prize raffle and second had book sale - we

raised over €1000 and this will be going directly to the Galway Alzheimer's Society. We also have a charity auction running with a limited edition Philip Treacy hat - all bids should be emailed to competition@theg.ie

In 2012, a report, published by the World Giving Index showed Ireland as one of the most charitable nations in the world. This was based on three measures: giving money, volunteering time and helping a stranger. The research reveals that 79 per cent of Irish people donate money to charity, an increase of 4 per cent on 2011 levels and 51 per cent higher than the global average.

Having taken part in Darkness into Light for PietaHouse Suicide Prevention last weekend, this is still very evident today. At 4am on Saturday, Salthill was a sea of yellow t-shirts with thousands of people joining together to raise much needed awareness of suicide. It was an amazing morning and seeing all of the fantastic photos the world over from Irish people who have held their own Darkness into Light walks made it even more special.

Charity is not always about donating money; time is important too and in today's busy world of instant responses and digitial overload, taking time out to help in your community or help a stranger is also important. Life is precious and it is heartwarming to see our g hotel staff who support so many worthy Irish charities. Thank goodness the old adage of 'Charity begins at home' is alive and well.

ESPA Beauty in the Bag

ESPA have brought us a beauty solution perfect for those on the go - introducing you to ESPA Beauty in a Bag - all you need for a complete personalised skincare routine ensuring beautifully nourished and radiant skin. They also make great travel kits!

We have 6 limited edition Beauty in the Bag serts (4 Face Collections & 2 Body Collections) from which to choose when you puchase any two 15ml or larger ESPA products in the g Hotel & Spa in Galway. A great complimentary face or body gift worth €53 to add to your purchase.Each set includes 5 deluxe samples from ESPA's bestselling products such as the Optimal Skin ProCleanser, the brightening Skin Radiance Intensive Serum or the fast and convenient Optimal Body TriSerum. Full details below.

BALANCING FACE COLLECTION

A collection to soothe, balance and clarify oily skin. This collection of skincare essentials will instantly calm, soften and clarify to leave skin balanced and clear. EMAIL espa@theg.ie or CALL 091 778460 to arrange your complimentary ESPA a Beauty in the Bag gift with purchase of any two 15ml or larger ESPA products.

REPLENISHING FACE COLLECTION

Enjoy 24 hour hydration with this nourishing collection The skin replenishing formulas will instantly hydrate to leave skin feeling soft, smooth and supple. With Optimal Skin ProCleanser to gently remove make-up and impurities and Hydrating Floral Spafresh to tone skin and prepare it for moisture. The ESPA nourishing Replenishing Face Treatment Oil penetrates the upper layers of the skin for beautifully a soft and supple complexion. Ease dark circles and fine lines with 24 Hour Replenishing Eye Moisturiser and complete your routine with the richly nourishing 24 Hour Replenishing Moisturiser.

SKIN RADIANCE FACE COLLECTION

Revitalising formulas to even skin tone and brighten for naturally radiant skin. This collection of beautifully aromatic formulas will revitalise dull skin and correct uneven skin tone by visibly brightening to reveal natural-looking radiance. Optimal Skin ProCleanser gently removes make-up and impurities whilst Hydrating Floral Spafresh leaves skin soft and ready to take on moisture. For instant brightening, Skin Radiance Mask contains Pumpkin Enzymes to dissolve dull skin cells. The new ESPA Skin Radiance Intensive Serum penetrates deep into the skin to reduce the signs of hyper-pigmentation and invigorates a tired complexion. Complete your routine with Skin Radiance Moisturiser to leave skin fresh and hydrated throughout the day.

LIFT & FIRM FACE COLLECTION

This collection of firming essentials will help enhance collagen production to lift, smooth and firm the skin’s texture. In addition to the effective Optimal Skin ProCleanser and Hydrating Floral Spafresh, the ESPA Optimal Skin ProSerum helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with Turmeric Root to even skin tone and Omegas 3,6,9 to enhance elasticity leaving skin feeling soft and nourished. Lift & Firm Intensive Eye Serum reduces the appearance of fine lines whilst de-puffing the eye area, with Inca Inchi Oil to deeply nourish. Complete your routine with our deeply hydrating Lift & Firm Moisturiser with Sea Amber to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen for visibly reduced fine lines.

REVITALISING BODY COLLECTION

Revitalise and nourish skin and enjoy a naturally radiant glow. Instantly uplift and awaken your senses while leaving your skin smooth, nourished. *This collection also contains a new and exclusive product, yet to be launched.* Gently cleanse the skin and awaken skin with the invigorating Energising Shower Gel and exfoliate dry and dull skin away with Exfoliating Body Polish. Optimal Body TriSerum provides instant nourishment and long-lasting hydration throughout the day. Energising Body Lotion leaves skin nourished whilst our new and exclusive product leaves skin beautifully radiant.

SMOOTHING BODY COLLECTION

With intensely nourishing and hydrating formulas to help tone, refine and restore suppleness to the skin, this collection will leave your skin feeling beautifully soft and naturally radiant. With Nourishing Shower cream to gently cleanse whilst leaving skin nourished, with Exfoliating Body Polish to gently exfoliate and revitalise skin. Optimal Body TriSerum delivers deep nourishment and is conveniently packaged in a miniature spritz bottle for fast application. Luxuriate in the rich aromas of Smooth & Firm Body Butter and complete your routine with the perfect finishing touch for beautifully radiant skin.

EMAIL espa@theg.ie or CALL 091 778460 to arrange your complimentary ESPA a Beauty in the Bag gift with purchase of any two 15ml or larger ESPA products.

Mad Hatters Tea Party at the g for Croí’s Women at Heart Campaign

‘Don’t be late for a very important date at the g…’

The g Hotel and Spa together with Croí and their Women at Heart Campaign invite you to attend their charity fundraiser where you get to enjoy and indulge in the wonderful world of the Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea party in the g, Thursday 30th April at 3pm. Head Pastry Chef, Martina Crotty has created a unique themed, delicious must see afternoon tea to accompany this indulgent occasion.

Guests are being invited to step into the fantasy world of Alice in Wonderland by wearing a hat for this fun event where there will be live music, plus a

number of fantastic prizes on offer for those that dress to impress, from stunning hats created by milliners Edel Ramberg, FionaMangan and Suzie Mahony; a voucher of €100 on offer from Pia Boutique, overnight stays in hotels in Ireland plus lots more.

Attending the launch of the Mad Hatters Tea Party, Barry McCann Fundraising Manger with Croí said, “Croí are thrilled to be working with the g Hotel on this quirky and fun novelty event. We can guarantee that ladies will have a fantastic day out and all proceeds are going to support our Women at Heart Campaign which empowers women to take control of their own heart health.” Delighted to support this charity fundraiser, Castleprint have come on board to sponsor the design and print for this event. Tickets are now on sale directly from Croí online at www.croi.ie/madhatters priced at €40 per person and include a glass of pink prosecco on arrival, the Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea, live music plus entry into a draw to win superb prizes on the day.

Join us at the g for the Mad Hatter's Tea Party in aid of Croí with live music, pink prosecco and delicious savoury and sweet treats galore. To keep up-to-date on all activities visit www.theghotel.ie call (091) 865200 or find the g Hotel on Facebook.

Photographer: Martina Regan

About Croí - Croí is a not-for-profit foundation established in 1985 as a limited company dedicated to

fighting heart disease and stroke in the region. We are an independent organisation, totally funded through our own fundraising activities, voluntary contributions and philanthropic support. Our organisation is a registered charity - CHY 7500, governed by a Board of Directors who serve in a voluntary capacity and who do not receive any remuneration or expenses. We strive for the highest standards of governance and we have adopted both the voluntary Code of Governance for Charities and the Guiding Principles for Fundraising. Annually we undergo an independent audit and our accounts are filed with Companies Registration Office (CRO). Our donors, supporters and volunteers, both in the corporate sector and wider community continue to give generously of their time and resources.  We are deeply grateful for this support and endorsement of our mission. Using this generosity to the best benefit in a meaningful and measurable way is central to everything we do.