After nine years, Hyatt reintroduces Giovanni’s

Nine good years have passed for Hyatt’s Giovanni’s Restaurant, but great years are yet to come. And with Giovanni’s newly hired manager, James Hopkins, everyday is a chance for its customers to experience great food.

He calls his project “reintroducing Giovanni’s” to the local community, which is all about “giving people a great dining experience.”

“I’m the newest [addition here] but I’m pretty privileged because Giovanni’s has already gained the reputation of being a premier Italian restaurant not only on Saipan but in this part of the Pacific. What I’m focused on now is reintroducing it to the local residents,” said Hopkins, who is a 25-year veteran in the hospitality business.

This he did last Friday night, with Giovanni’s hosting a big party for Hyatt club members, patrons, and community personalities to celebrate the restaurant’s 9th birthday.

“We’re extremely happy and excited for Giovanni’s. It has come a long way and we’re here to carry it on further to new heights, keeping in mind the basic things to make our service excellent,” said Food and Beverage director Sam Cheng.

In line with the birthday celebration, Giovanni’s offers its August special’s Ferragosto set menu, which includes a five-course meal with a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne per diner.

Other specials include a family menu that is available until the end of August for $120 for two adults and two children.

Likewise, on Aug. 27, Giovanni’s offers its last Friday lunch.

The restaurant is open nightly and Sunday brunch, serving great Italian food as well as steaks and seafood menu.

“If you’re really meaning to get that taste of authentic Italian food, this is the place. Of course, we’re also serving great-tasting steak and seafood special,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins, who came onboard last month, takes great pride in Giovanni’s “terrific ambience” that is further enhanced by the soulful music rendered by in-house master piano player Bruno dela Posa. Dela Posa performs every night except Mondays.

Hopkins said he expects great happenings every month, citing for instance the September’s special called “Autumn Set Menu,” which includes items like smoked prawns, cauliflower soup, angelhair pasta, salmon or Angus beef tenderloin, vanilla ice cream, and tulip dough.

“We’ll continue to have special offerings for our customers,” he said.

Hopkins, who also manages Teppanyaki Restaurant, expressed great confidence in his staff.

For Giovanni’s alone, he said there are 11 service staff and three chefs who are well-trained and competent in their fields. “You’ve got to see our ‘performing’ chefs,” he said.

Last Friday’s event was hosted by outgoing F&B assistant director Madel Consico, who is soon leaving for Hyatt Guam.

Also present were Hyatt’s general manager Michael von Siebenthal, Cheng, newly appointed F&B assistant director Daryl Thong, and staff. (Liberty Dones)