Introducing the Gigi’s Dining Series

February 1, 2026

A Night in India brings elevated winter dining to Sauble Beach

Chefs who bring with them lived experience, who show us their cultural roots, and global inspiration.

There are certain meals that arrive at exactly the right moment. This was one of them. On a cold and stormy winter night in Sauble Beach, with the wind coming off Lake Huron and snow beginning to settle, stepping into Gigi’s felt like stepping into warmth in every sense of the word.

Candlelight, shared tables, and a welcoming hum filled the room. It was the opening night of the newly launched Gigi’s Dining Series, and Indian cuisine was the first chapter.

The Dining Series is a curated lineup of chef led evenings, each one spotlighting a different global cuisine. Designed to bring warmth and energy to Sauble Beach through the winter months, the series invites diners to slow down and experience food as a shared event.

Dining Series Lineup

India featuring Chef Dhrumil Shah
January 22

Mexico
February 26

France
March 26

Indian cuisine set the tone beautifully.

Printed menu for Gigi’s Dining Series A Night in India


The evening was guided by Chef Dhrumil Shah, whose approach honoured the depth of Indian cuisine while delivering it with refinement and restraint. The food was elevated and sophisticated, capturing the essence of traditional flavours while offering an elegant twist.


This was confident cooking. Balanced, thoughtful, and composed. Every dish felt intentional.



Chef Dhrumil Shah


Opening Bites: Chaat and Street Inspired Starters


The evening began with chaat inspired bites designed to be playful, interactive, and bright. Golgappa arrived crisp and delicate, paired with vibrant green cilantro chili water that delivered freshness and gentle heat. These opening bites immediately set the tone, lively, layered, and engaging.


Golgappa pan puri served with cilantro green chili water



Small Plates: Texture, Spice, and Balance


Next came beautifully plated small dishes. Hara bhara kebabs were earthy and herbaceous, crisp on the outside and tender within. Alongside them, tandoori chicken drums delivered warmth and depth, finished with spice that lingered without overwhelming.


These plates showcased the chef’s control of flavour and texture, bold yet refined.


Hara bhara kebabs and tandoori chicken drumsticks served with herbs and onions


The Mains: Family Style and Comforting


The mains were served family style, inviting conversation and sharing. Fragrant cumin basmati rice and warm paratha anchored the table, ready to soak up every sauce and spice.

This is where the meal truly came together.

Overhead view of Indian mains including curries rice and paratha


Butter Chicken: Rich and Silky


The butter chicken was rich and comforting without feeling heavy. The sauce was silky and balanced, delivering warmth rather than excess. It was familiar, yet elevated, the kind of dish that reminds you why it is so beloved.


Butter chicken braised in creamy tomato sauce


Palak Paneer: Vibrant and Earthy


Palak paneer brought brightness to the table. The spinach based sauce was vibrant and fresh, carrying ginger and green chili notes that lifted the dish beautifully. Soft cubes of paneer added richness without heaviness.

Palak paneer with paneer cubes in spinach curry


Chole Channa: Depth and Spice


The chole channa delivered depth and warmth, its spice profile layered and comforting. Chickpeas were tender and full of flavour, creating a grounding dish that paired perfectly with rice and bread.



Chole channa chickpea curry topped with dried chilies



The Perfect Accompaniments


Fragrant rice and warm paratha tied everything together, turning each bite into something deeply satisfying. This was food meant to be enjoyed slowly, shared generously, and remembered fondly.


Cumin basmati rice and paratha served with cilantro garnish


Dessert: A Gentle and Elegant Finish


Dessert closed the evening on a gentle note. Syrup soaked gulab jamun paired with cool vanilla gelato, finished with toasted nuts and floral notes. It was sweet without being overwhelming, the perfect ending to a thoughtfully paced meal.



Gulab jamun with vanilla gelato and toasted almonds


Hospitality That Elevates


Gigi’s is part of the Annabelle Hospitality Group, and that commitment to hospitality was evident throughout the evening. Service was warm, attentive, and unpretentious. The room felt intimate and welcoming, striking a balance between polished and relaxed.


Looking Ahead


Indian cuisine was a beautiful opening to the Gigi’s Dining Series, and we are genuinely looking forward to attending each evening in the lineup. This first night brought something special and spectacular to Sauble Beach, an elevated experience that felt perfectly suited to a winter night.



For us at KBdesigned, this is exactly the kind of dining experience worth spotlighting.



A group of lions walking along a paved road in Kruger National Park with safari vehicles stopped beh

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