Fort Greene’s culinary renaissance continues:
Restaurant Gia, an "American bistro," opened on Lafayette
Street in February, adding to the area’s ever-expanding dining
scene.
Manager Tracey Grant, the sister of owner-chef Ian A. Grant (Gia
derives from his initials), describes the food as "American
with French and Asian touches." The chef is an alumnus of
Jean-Georges and Bouley in Manhattan, and The River Cafe at Fulton
Landing.
Ian’s intention, says Tracey, was to "bring a touch of Manhattan"
to his Fort Greene neighborhood. The renovated space has a glass
front and is divided into a downstairs bar complete with comfortable
leather chairs, and an airy, pale lavender dining room upstairs.Waitress
Anna Grundstom (pictured) delivers elegant cocktails.
Grant’s dishes feature global combinations like branzino (sea
bass) served with basmati rice, bok choy and coconut, or potato
pancakes topped with smoked salmon, roasted slices of tomato
"petals" and caviar.
To ease our present angst, Grant suggests a civilized, late-afternoon
cup of tea in his artbook-filled library. Twenty varieties, including
spiced plum and passion fruit, are served from 3 pm to 5 pm.
Restaurant Gia (68 Lafayette Ave. at South Elliott Place) accepts
Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Entrees: $20-$24. Tuesdays
to Thursdays, the restaurant serves lunch from noon to 2:30 pm,
tea from 3 to 5 pm and dinner from 5:30 pm to 11 pm. The kitchen
is open until midnight on Fridays. Saturdays and Sundays brunch
is served from 11:30 am to 3 pm and dinner is served 5:30 to
11 pm. Closed Mondays. For reservations call (718) 246-1755.
