Entrecôte’s velvet-wrapped cocktail hideout holds its own as Prahran’s late-night drinks destination, with France dominating the wine list and the inspiration for fetching snacks.
Entrecôte’s velvet-wrapped cocktail hideout holds its own as Prahran’s late-night drinks destination, with France dominating the wine list and the inspiration for fetching snacks.
Entrecôte’s companion bar far exceeds that brief. Gigi absolutely serves as somewhere for a drink before and after steak frites at its mothership restaurant across the road, but this slinky upstairs speakeasy with exceptional cocktails and standout snacks is more of a destination than an after-dinner detour.
Like everything they do, the duo behind Gigi, restaurateur Jason M Jones and designer Brahman Perera, have poured a whole lot of love into this venue – and this time it’s the kind of love that involves a lot of red velvet, lipstick on the mirrors and smart Martinis until very late
Gigi calls itself Eurocentric, but there’s a clear French bent to a lot of what’s happening on the wine and cocktail lists. We’re talking sparkly and sparkling cocktails, such as the Parisian Spritz brightened with mandarin liqueur. We’re talking more than a dozen bottles direct from the Champagne region. And we’re certainly talking a by-the-glass offering that’s dominated by French favourites like Bollinger and Taittinger, Chablis and Burgundy – along with several lesser-known pours if you’re feeling adventurous.
If it has to be one drink, though, the namesake cocktail, the Gigi, is a great place to start and finish. Gin and elderflower take care of floral notes, a splash of lemon brings balance, and then there’s the house signature – a healthy hit of sweet green-pea syrup. On the menu, Gigi describes it as “a little unexpected, entirely seductive, and always unforgettable” but all you really need to know is that it’s simply delicious.
It’s a snack-forward affair at Gigi, and with more than 15 of them – plus several desserts – you truly can choose your own adventure. Play it glass by glass and pair up that Champagne with a caviar rösti; head further down the menu for something more substantial and you’ll find la petite sœur cheeseburger – the “little sister” to Entrecôte’s cheeseburger royal including its signature Café de Entrecôte butter – which calls for something more robust in your glass.
The late-night menu offers no-nonsense snacks, too, like Mr Jones’ homemade sausage rolls and beef Burgundy party pies – both excellent options to continue or end the night on.
With bottles starting at around the $80 mark, a night at Gigi doesn’t have to blow the budget, but, that said, the wallet’s the limit if you want it to be. The 2013 Dom Pérignon comes in at $760; it’s a bottle that’s fit for a celebration, and serious consideration, and you might’ve just found your match if you fancy that caviar rösti.
You could take a more modest approach to treating yourself, especially if it’s a cocktail you’re after. Gigi’s Chevalier Espresso Martini comes complete with chocolate truffle, brandied cherries, coconut madeleine and no triple-digit price tag.
