Folsom Restaurant Reviews: Gigi's Bar & Grill

Of all the restaurants in Paris, this one likely can’t compare within the top 100. However, this little gem in Folsom probably falls high among my favorite top 10 places to really dine well in town.

So you have never been to the Eiffel Tower? After dining at Gigi’s you will be rid of any deep desire to visit the Tower in your lifetime. With a full and content belly, I always head home pleased by my experience at Gigi’s, however, I leave just plain Paris’d out. In other words, I usually don’t feel the need to see another glimpse of the Eiffel Tower again anytime soon. Cross off Paris on my list of places to go, pencil in Rome maybe? Anyhow, I ramble, the ambience was very intriguing at first impression; I’d even say creative. By dessert, you’ll have had enough of ‘ol Gay Paris for a while.

So, for ambiance the owners get an A for effort. What the decor lacks in taste, the food and pianist more than make up for. Great food for a much better price than the other French restaurants in town.

How about the service you ask? Darn, I was afraid you were going to ask that. I hesitate to fault Gigi’s on their service. I have to tell you, of my half a dozen times being served at Gigi’s since they opened, by in large the service has been fabulous, right along par with their food. There’s that hesitation to use the word “always” because it really isn’t always so prompt and it isn’t always so pleasant. I recommend you call ahead, make sure your evening will be well staffed, and do not reserve a table if the pianist is off for the night. Also, make sure you leave with your credit card in your pocket and spy your account balance the next day. Read the Full Story on why I must say that. I’m quite sure the owners are doing proper background checks by now.

In sum, make sure the pianist will be playing before you make your reservation. Dress up too! Come on now, I know it’s Folsom and it’s in a strip mall folks, but it is French and there’s white linen and a pianist, so I urge you to leave your shorts and flip-flops home for a change. The pianist is key; he really helps hide the fact that you are sitting in a red booth, in a strip mall diner, surrounded by Eiffel Towers of all sizes and artistic dimensional leeway, colorful curtains, and over priced artwork for sale. By the way, the pianist loves requests. This experience is a must do at least once. Your whole evening will be a worthwhile time spent.
 

Reviewed by Ellen Powers