GiGi’s: Casual Dining Done right!
By Matthew Downey
This
past September Tim Grossa and daughter Emily Walter opened GiGi’s,
a delightful east side Kalamazoo eatery, and the word-of-mouth raves
are just starting to spread.
This spacious, comfortable establishment offers an intriguing menu at some of the most reasonable prices in town. “I don’t think you need to charge $30 per person to serve good food. I serve better tasting food at a price that’s less than Applebee’s,” Tim Walter explains.
With an aim to offer something more than what one finds at most chain restaurants, this father/daughter team has done just that. “All I set out to do is offer good food in a comfortable atmosphere at reasonable prices,” Tim points out.
Most every thing is made from scratch, and he maintains high standards when choosing the ingredients used in the kitchen. A popular item is his family’s meatloaf recipe, made with both ground beef and pork sausage ($8.95). “I give customers the recipe, but they return and tell me that they just couldn’t make it at home as good as it is here. I know this is because of the quality products that I buy,” he explains.
While proud of their accomplishments, they are far from finished perfecting their restaurant. “I think of it as a work-in-progress. And I can’t make improvements if I don’t hear feedback from my customers.” Tim explains that he makes menu changes based on customer feedback. “I want to meet my customers. I don’t think you can tell people what they like; you have to listen to them.”
Menu Highlights
Tim states that the burgers have scored big among customers. “My burgers are made with specially ordered fresh (not frozen) course ground chuck.” Customers can choose three toppings from nine different choices (such as bleu cheese, mushrooms and bacon crumbles); served on a toasted bun with fries. This meal is priced at an impressive $5.95.
Hot Panini sandwiches, served with fries, have also become popular picks, such as the Tuscan Panini, roasted chicken, provolone cheese, pesto mayonnaise, grilled peppers and sun dried tomatoes ($5.95).
The entrees, from Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo ($8.95) to a ½ (or full) rack of baby back ribs ($13.99), are all served with vegetable, potato, salad and bread, and range in price from $8.95 - $18.99. Other menu standouts include: Chicken Raspberry Salad ($7.50), Pecan-crusted Canadian Walleye ($15.95) and Lake Superior Whitefish, seasoned and rolled in penko breading ($11.95).
Plans are in place to add a full-service bar and serve alcohol in the very near future. The restaurant also offers a full banquet room that seats 70 people. Tim states, “It’s the only banquet room like it on Gull Road.”
Gigi’s Casual Dining
4010 Gull Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
(269) 345-0093
Serving breakfast Monday – Saturday 7 AM – 12 noon, Sunday 7 AM – 1 PM
Serving lunch and dinner Monday – Saturday 7 AM - 9 PM, Sunday 7 AM - 9 PM
