Johnny V Restaurant & Lounge

Arrive With Dining in Mind

by Tim Slivinski

Some restaurants have built a reputation for themselves on consistent quality of service and food as well as creating an ambience that is elegant without being stuffy or pretentious. Johnny V is one of those places. Located along touristy Las Olas, it is a restaurant that continues to draw locals who seek out some of the finest cuisine in South Florida. After entering through the al fresco dining patio, patrons are greeted warmly as they soak in the muted, soft lighting, white table linens and elegant bar that make up the front of the house. Further back is another, larger dining area that moves diners away from the bar vibe into a quieter space. Personally, I love dining al fresco along Las Olas at one of the comfortable banquettes across from the bar, or at the bar itself. Johnny V offers amazing cocktails with nearly any spirit you can think of, and they produce a wine list that has the courage to move away from some of the usual suspects so often seen on every restaurant’s wine list.

Now it’s time to dine. I heartily recommend beginning with one of the interesting and delicious appetizers. The Breast of Duck Meatballs are as delicious as they are unusual. Served with a pesto sauce and pine nuts, each delectable meatball is served on a dollop of Portobello Mash—incredibly tasty. The earthiness of the mash contrasts beautifully with the savory elegance of the meatballs. Another great starter is Johnny V’s signature Blue Corn Crusted Calamari. While I know that Calamari has become ubiquitous on restaurant menus, this preparation is something special. The Blue Corn adds just a slight touch of crunchy sweetness to the squid, and then you have Tropical Fruit Salsa, a Spanish Sherry Aioli, and Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette to create a mouthful of sweet, spicy, savory, crunchy goodness. I will confess that I don’t think I have ever dined at Johnny V without ordering this dish, and I know I will order it next time too! I also need to comment on the Wild Mushroom Pancake “Short Stack.” A combination of Roasted Portobello, Balsamic Syrup, and Sun Dried Tomato Butter offers an explosion of flavors that touch every tastebud on your tongue. Pancakes never tasted this good before!

Salads at Johnny V are not a handful greens, sickly tomatoes and an unimpressive salad dressing. My favorite is the Florida Hearts of Palm Salad. The Mango Vinaigrette that dresses the salad—and never with a heavy hand as is far too often the case—is flavorful in its subtlety. Drizzled lightly over baby greens, watercress, red onion, chilled asparagus, and toasted almonds, each forkful is light, crisp, and refreshing. To me, it defines what a salad prior to an entrée should truly be. Other salad options include a Chilled Shrimp and Lobster Caesar, Wild Baby Greens and Roasted Beets, and Fresh Buffala Mozzarella and Grilled Vegetable “Pie.”

When it’s time for an entrée, anyone who knows me will tell you that I always recommend the Duck Duck Duck. The preparation offers duck three ways—Seared Duck Breast, Leg of Duck Confit, and Duck Foie Gras and Wild Mushroom Stuffing. The breast is seared to perfect pink each and every time. Each forkful is heavenly delight as it plays against the richness of the foie gras—perfection. Wilted Spinach and Baby Carrots accompany the duck, and also offer a superb contrast to the richness of the duck.

If seafood is what you crave, try the Sage Grilled Mahi Mahi. It is done as to nearly be a “Thanksgiving” dinner, only without the turkey. The perfectly grilled fish, moist and tender, is accompanied by a Rock Shrimp Plantain Stuffing, a Cranberry-Mango Chutney, Baby Green Beans and Carrots, and a Lobster Pan Gravy. Each item is carefully thought out and created to be complementary to the others. The plate will be empty before you know it.

If you are a diner who simply must have red meat, the menu has two options for you: a Barbecue Spiked Filet Mignon or a Black Skillet Seared Center Cut New York Strip. I have ordered the New York Strip, and it comes to the table grilled perfectly to your preferred temperature. An Irish Cashel Blue Cheese Butter and Barbecue Demi-Glace add to its flavorful goodness. The New York Strip also gives you many sides to choose from, and the choice will not be an easy one. I suggest the Garlic Truffle Mash and the Grilled Asparagus.

Professional and unobtrusive, the servers understand that people come to Johnny V for a dining experience and not just to eat—exactly how it should be.