The Unicorn’s Giorgio cooks up enchanting new restaurant

RESTAURATEUR Giorgio Casari, who formerly co-owned one of the nation’s best-known restaurants, is back in business with a new venture, the Irish Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Five years ago, Giorgio was ‘shattered’ after he lost his stake in The Unicorn and found himself locked in a bitter battle with former business partner Jeff Stokes.

Now, five years after what was a highly-publicised and extremely acrimonious parting of the ways, Giorgio is poised to make his return to the dining scene with his new Ranelagh restaurant, GiGi’s.

Speaking to Talk of the Town, the Italian businessman revealed he’s gone from being afraid to answer the phone to looking forward to delighting in the attention as he prepares to bring an authentic taste of his homeland to the bustling suburban village. ‘It is Italian cuisine and we have a fantastic Irish chef – Marc McLaughlin – who has a deep passion for Italian food,’ he said. ‘He is just back from Naples after a four-week intensive course on bread.’ During his 18 years at The Unicorn, Giorgio transformed it into a dining institution which attracted homegrown stars and international dignitaries, including former US President Bill Clinton. But while GiGi’s will be a new departure, Giorgio has teamed up with a former Unicorn colleague in his new venture. ‘I am working with a man also called Giorgio, hence the name GiGi’s,’ he said. He used to work with me in The Unicorn, now he is a director of the business with me. I think we are coming to Ranelagh at the perfect time.’