Pending final inspections, Dominic Galati’s latest venture, Gio’s Restaurant and Bar, will open downtown in the Gateway One Building next week, in a space that’s seen several tenants: J Hunter’s, Premio (also owned by Galati) and most recently, Dierdorf and Hart’s.
Gio’s (Dominic’s first name is Giovanni) is his first new venture in 11 years. First came Dominic’s (on the Hill) in 1971, then Premio in 1989 and Dominic’s Trattoria (in Clayton) in 1997.
The menu is being finalized by Executive Chef John Ruggeri (Galati’s former chef and general manager at Dominic’s) and none other than Steve Scherrer, former owner/chef of the critically acclaimed Arthur Clay’s (the Maplewood restaurant that begat Acero). The reasons for the demise of Arthur Clay’s are debatable, but it certainly wasn’t the culinary talents of Scherrer. His pockets are deep with creativity, especially if seafood is involved.
In Galati, Ruggeri and Scherrer, there’s a lot of diverse talent in the kitchen. It will be interesting to see how this one comes together. – George Mahe
