Friday 14 September 2012

The G hotel, Galway, Ireland


A few months ago, I received the proper princess treatment. I turned one year older, so my other half distracted me from the reality of getting closer to 30 by bringing me to a dream hotel: the G in Galway.

Maybe for some people, the G is too much, too kitsch, too pink but for me, it’s exactly what staying in a hotel should be about. It’s unique, funky and it stands out! It was already amazing to step into the design reception made of dark glass walls but even more so to be given a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe room. Pure bliss!



The glamorous decor of the hotel has been created by design director Philip Treacy. On the ground floor, the pink carpet links three amazing lounges. The Grand Salon is a stunning bright room with a multitude of silver balls attached to the ceiling and a sleek piano in the corner.



The Pink Salon looks like Alice could have lost herself in this wonderland of pink velvet and spiral carpet.


 Finally, the Blue Lounge is elegant and more masculine with dark purple and orange armchairs and golden framed mirrors. So chic!


Of course, this post isn’t about the decor only. I wouldn’t be French Foodie if any little pleasure in life wasn’t associated with a great food experience.
We ate at Gigi’s, which has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes and whose executive head chef, Regis Herviaux is French. The dining room is just like the rest of the hotel, opulent with stylish couches and different coloured chairs. There is a piece of modern art made out of a car bonnet hanging on the wall featuring a large portrait of Marilyn Monroe.

 
The heading of the menu says “where the best of Irish produce meets French Flair”. I liked the sound of that! The staff were amazingly helpful and explained all the dishes in detail. I certainly felt pampered in this hotel. I was, of course, seduced by their French/Irish charcuterie plate as a starter; it was the best of both worlds on a plate with some local Irish and French products plus some tapenade, sundried tomatoes and mustard to accompany. M. had the duck plate. It was beautifully presented with duck prepared in different textures and forms.




 The mains were high class with Mister who went for the steak that was perfectly tender and juicy, topped by a thin mousseline purée. My rabbit was excellent and served with romanesco broccoli. Just look at the pictures, it tasted as amazing at it looked!



My dessert was like an invitation to exotic lands. The Kataifi Pineapple was served with coconut tapioca, lychee and mint granita, lime ganache & palm sugar syrup. The granita was ideal to refresh the palate. I loved the creamy and sweet tapioca. The flavours brought me back to some of the far away countries where I’ve tasted the sweetest and most colourful fruits ever.


I loved every moment at the G, the perfect place for an unforgettable weekend of pure luxury. Treat yourself to it, as the famous French brand says “You’re worth it”.




The G hotel
Wellpark, Dublin Road,
Galway,
Co. Galway
091 865 200
http://www.theghotel.ie/

This is an independent review, I paid for my meal and stay.
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