Gia
Day 1: 5-Course Refined Rustic Italian Tasting Series
Opened in early 2024 in Southwest Minneapolis, this charming eatery jumped right onto MSP Mag's list of “Best Twin Cities Restaurants” and Resy’s “Hit List.” Gia is the brainchild of Chefs/Co-Owners Jo Seddon and Lisa Wengler. Chef Seddon spent 12 years as a hospital physician in London’s top hospitals until she decided in 2015 to follow her heart and go to culinary school. From there, she worked in a range of London’s Michelin-Starred establishments, including Chez Bruce, Bar Boulud, and the iconic Italian restaurant, the River Café. Soon after moving to the US, she was hired by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Gavin Kaysen at his acclaimed French restaurant, Bellecour. There she met Chef Wengler, a Minnesota native and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Together, at Gia, they are dazzling diners with classic fare prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients and a notable lack of pretension. MSP Mag describes Gia as “a chic, warm, ever-open dinner party with a permanent address,” and so we are excited to visit and hear all about the chefs’ food ideas!
About the Hosts:
Jo Seddon
Co-Chef/Owner
After 12 years as a successful hospital physician in London’s top hospitals, Chef Jo Seddon shifted gears to attend culinary school. After honing her craft at a series of London’s Michelin-Starred establishments (including Chez Bruce, Spring, Medlar, Bar Boulud and Cafe Murano) as well as UK's iconic River Café. she moved to the US, where she has trained under James Beard Award-Winning Chef Gavin Kaysen.
Lisa Wengler
Co-Chef/Owner
A Minnesota native and Culinary Institute of America graduate, Chef Lisa Wengler first trained at James Beard Award-Winning Chef Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc in California. Soon after she returned to Minnesota, she joined James Beard Award-Winning Chef Gavin Kaysen and his team at Bellecour. She has been working with Chef Seddon since 2020.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated. For the list of restrictions Chef is accommodating, scroll to the bottom of this page.
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Roasted Squash
radicchio, walnut, pecorino toscano
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Mozzarella & Fig Salad
mozzarella di bufala, black fig, arugula, white balsamic dressing
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Risotto Bianco
seared sea scallop, aged carnaroli rice, white wine, mixed herbs
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Red Wine Braised Beef Cheek
parmesan polenta, crispy mushroom
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Lemon Polenta Cake
berry compote, housemade crème fraîche
Gia
5555 Xerxes Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Event FAQs
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- Due to the large-format nature of our events, restaurants are not able to accommodate all dietary restrictions/food allergies or make any menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). This restaurant will be offering substitutions exclusively for the following restrictions/allergies: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Dairy, Gluten, Fish, Shellfish, Mushroom, Nut. They are NOT accommodating restrictions related to the following ingredients: Garlic and Onion (cooked). If you have any of these restrictions/allergies, please make sure to note this in your profile (in the “Event Preferences” section) either before or right after purchasing your tickets so Chef can prepare accordingly.
