Albergo ristorante San Giors, Borgo
Dora, Torino
My accommodation of choice is a self-catering apartment. I love to be able to shop and cook when I am away
and to take advantage of the local produce in the markets. However, for a night
or two, it’s just not worth it and a hotel makes sense for a short stay.
Or does it? So many hotels have become faceless; a clean bed in an international environment, with a buffet
breakfast and a pleasant receptionist. I know this is all that is needed but you
could be anywhere in the world.
But oh, my goodness, if its character
you want, the art hotel and restaurant San Giors in Borgo Dora in Turin, has it all and at 85 Euros per night plus local tourist tax, for a double room, it doesn’t come expensive. It is close to
the famous Porta Palazzo and Balon markets, a ticky-tacky, but fascinating and
thriving area of the city. The famous landmarks, museums and night-life are in walking
distance and the area is well served by public transport.
Livia the receptionist in the hotel is a gem, she
speaks and writes perfect English and is efficient and friendly. She greets you
as you arrive, dressed in waistcoat, trousers and tie, fitting admirably into
the turn-of-the-century, (nineteenth century) atmosphere.
The ground floor is little more than
a small reception desk, a bar and a seriously good restaurant, furnished with
bentwood chairs, polished tables, a piano, parlour palms and mirrors.
The rooms are on two floors but be
warned there is no lift and you need to manage your luggage yourself. The décor
of each room has been created by a contemporary artist and each one has a striking
identity. The second-floor landing has a stunning geometric trompe-l’oeil.
The San Giors (St George) has a long
and varied history, there are documents that link it back to the sixteenth
century. It has enjoyed highs and lows and is now in a good place, in the
hands of its present owner. Architect, Simona Vlaic, who has successfully
created a “Salon” type atmosphere which is not just décor deep. While we were
there, early on Sunday evening, a small group of friends turned up for a drink.
Two of them opened-up guitars and played impromptu jazz riffs around a table
while we chatted to the Chef. Thursday evenings are music/dinner evenings. https://www.facebook.com/sangiorstorino/photos/a.373523892669169/2328019690552903/?type=3&theater
The restaurant is in the capable and
creative hands of chef Manolo Murrone who spent 25 years working his way around
the kitchens of Europe before coming to rest in Turin two years ago. He takes
and revisits traditional Piemontese gastronomy, adding a splash of his native
Sardinia flair creating tantalising and tempting dishes that at times are surprising
but always pleasing. Tonno finto (faux tuna, read rabbit) with saffron flavoured
apples and lime, Agnolotti del plin, cooked in Barolo wine (so far so
traditional) then tossed with a brunoise of salted pears. His opening amuse
bouche are a delight and it really is. worth eating your way through the whole colourful
tasting menu… if you have the staying power. His food is not only beautiful but
delicious, based as it is on the highest quality seasonal ingredients. http://www.sangiors.it/ristorante-san-giors/
Expect to pay 60 Euros per head with drinks and wine.
Hotel and restaurant owner, the quirky
and friendly Simona Vlaic is very much in evidence in her business. Yes this is, a
hotel with personality! She is out front, doubles as maitre in the restaurant
and is in-charge of quality control in the kitchen. Chef Manolo has dubbed her
the Pirana, which I get the feeling she secretly enjoys.
All the waiting staff are friendly and at the
same time very professional and you are just as likely to see them at breakfast
as at dinner. Like receptionist Livia, they are also clad retro style. When our waiter bid us good night,
he promised my husband the best cappuccino of his life in the morning…and it was!
http://www.sangiors.it/ristorante-san-giors/
https://www.turismotorino.org/en
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| Chef Manolo's insalata albese, piemontese crudo, veal salad |
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