Located where the former La Traviata called home, local restaurateur Cameron Lockley and award-winning Executive Chef Jason Tallent opened a French-Italian-inspired bistro in December called Gina's On Congress.

Restaurateur Cameron Lockley and award-winning Executive Chef Jason Tallent teamed up to create Gina's On Congress. (Courtesy Jody Horton)


On the menu

In a news release, Tallent described his menu as Paris meets Rome, with snacks, sweets, small plates and large plates.

Small plates include options such as steak tartare, bone marrow and sourdough, shrimp and prosciutto, soup, golden beets, and salads.


Large plates include selections such as handmade pastas, tuna conserva, mussels and frittes, halibut aqua pazza, braised lamb shank, porcini-rubbed veal chop, half spring chicken, duck confit, and sausage and hash.

The porcini-rubbed veal chop at Gina's On Congress is served with charred scallion and potato au gratin. (Courtesy Jody Horton)


Looking for a libation?

The wooden bar area offers wines from small vineyards and wineries, espresso drinks and cocktails, such as It’s Raining in My Champagne made with Dripping Springs gin, Caffo Limoncino, lemon and sparkling wine. A section dedicated to the Negroni is also available in seven variations.


Happy hour is available daily, with half-off snacks such as rabbit rillettes with black current mostarda, smoked salmon dip with sea salt potato chips, giardiniera and gougeres.

Many of the drinks at Gina's On Congress are made using beverages from women-owned companies. (Courtesy Jody Horton)


What they're saying

“My approach with the Gina’s menu was to create classic dishes that feel good for your soul and inspire you to come back," Tallent said. "A simple half chicken with bread pudding on a cold evening, paired with a with a nice glass of wine. It’s simplicity."