A Love Letter to GiGi’s

Stepping into GiGi’s Wine Lounge, with its jade green accents and soft lighting, provides an immediate respite from the rush of cars headed up Divis. But something else becomes more apparent as you settle into a cozy booth and notice exotic wines alongside a wagyu hotdog on the menu: This dining experience is telling a story. It starts in Vietnam, and winds its way through Oakland and Michelin Star restaurants on its way to the corner of Page and Divis. The story revolves around Chef Tu, the founder of GiGi’s, but parts aren’t dissimilar to those of many first generation immigrants. His parents were Vietnamese refugees who worked as a Pier 45 fishmonger and seamstress to make ends meet in Oakland in the ‘80s and Chef Tu’s mother would often bring him back a polish beef hot dog on her way back from work, topping it with whatever accoutrement found in the pantry. Now, after working at a 2-star Michelin restaurant and providing award-winning pop-up dining experiences, his own restaurant serves as a forever home for a tribute to that customized hot dog.

During my time chatting with Chef Tu over a dry rosé, I could feel us talking more about life than food. He has volunteered as an instructor for San Quentin State Prison’s cooking classes, starred in an Emmy-nominated film about his culinary roots, and recently published his own cook book, The Memory of Taste. GiGi’s represents a dedication to the craft as much as it represents the challenges that inspired the dishes and the people that make sure every dish, every pour, is perfect. They are bringing elevated Vietnamese-inspired dishes and an impressive collection of wines from the terroir of Croatia, France, and California steps away from your home. Stop by next time you’re on a walk along Page and reflect on the people and places that brought you where you are today over some wine and maybe the best hot dog you’ve ever had.