Chef Tu
Executive Chef, Tu David Phu's culinary expertise is a testament to his diverse experiences. He honed his skills in renowned establishments, ranging from New York's internationally acclaimed Daniel to San Francisco's prestigious two-MICHELIN starred restaurant, Acquerello.
Throughout his career, he absorbed the essence of various culinary traditions, from American culinary innovation to classic European techniques. A profound connection to what he calls "the memory of taste" led him back to his Vietnamese roots.
Madison Michael
Madison Michael is a seasoned hospitality professional with over a decade of experience. Currently leading the team at GiGi's as General Manager, Madison is a certified sommelier and the former co-owner of Merchant Roots. Throughout her career, she has successfully opened over a dozen restaurants, several of which earned Michelin Guide recognition.
With expertise spanning fine dining to tech-driven hospitality innovations, Madison specializes in curating inventive beverage programs that harmoniously showcase underrepresented regions and varietals alongside classic producers. Her passion lies in elevating the guest experience through thoughtful and creative hospitality.
Chef Joel
Joel Panti, a chef from Mexico City and Yucatán, is the Chef de Cuisine at GiGi's Wine Bar, where he works alongside Tu David Phu to create innovative dishes inspired by the Vietnamese Diaspora. Starting his culinary career at Gather, he quickly advanced from line cook to sous chef, helping the restaurant maintain its Michelin Bib Gourmand status.
He continued his collaboration with Phu at Black Cat, earning praise including a 2.5-star rating from Michael Bauer. Joel later served as executive sous chef at Trestle, executive chef at Magnolia Brewing, and played a key role in launching AMANO, Corzetty, and Flores Restaurants. At GiGi's, he blends traditional and contemporary culinary influences with a focus on creativity and excellence.
