salidaco avatar
Beach Lover
6,568 views
Beautiful restaurant.
The cornbread was yummy. We had the mussels in Green Curry for App. Mussells cooked perfect but the sauce was pure brown sugar and no curry flavor at all. Actually ruined the mussels that were in the sauce.

Bacon wrapped scallops next. One side perfectly seared but bottom had no sear and one of the scallops was so salty that we could not eat it. The other two scallops tasted good and would have been bettter with the perfect sear.

Sliders were ok. Tasty homeade fries. Skip the guava ketchup

The dessert was a Strawberry Shortcake Flambe'. Flambe not working yet, but they hope to have it flaming in a few weeks.
Server was great dinner not so much. Food is trying to hard.

Anybody have any reviews? Is it worth going back and trying different items? Maybe it was an off night because they were closed Sunday and Monday.
The restaurant alone is BEAUTIFUL and congrats to the designer

Replies

35
salidaco avatar
Beach LoverAuthor
#3
I am a tough critic because I LOVE FOOD and am a supertaster(John Lee...They might be giants). My hubby has been there 3 times already and has had some great dishes. This was my first time.
Beach Lover
#4
Went with a group the other night...general consensus was pretty average...and like mentioned earlier in the thread it's almost like they are trying to be too unique....thats a food fad that I thought had fortunately died out but it appears to be still be attempted here...Clearly the Owners have some deep pockets so it will be interesting to see if they make it
Douglas the Intrepid avatar
Beach Fanatic
#5
I think with tourists it is easy to do well if your place has a unique ambience or location even if your food is mediocre at best. Just look at the Old Florida Fish House for example, I don't think I have ever had an above average meal there and they are always packed. The V is still too new to judge the food in my opinion. :)
hippiechick avatar
Beach Fanatic
#6
V Review

I think in all fairness, we need to give this place some time to work out any problems. When I ate there, there were some really good items and some that were so-so. But what place has perfect everything!I do agree however that they are trying to be too different with their menu. What ever happened to serving fresh seafood without all the fancy gooppy sauces, so you could taste the seafood? V is without a doubt the most beautiful Restaurant along 30A. The service is almost too good, lots of hovering by waiters. All in all it is a good place and I think with time it will become a favorite for lots of people.
Beach Comber
#7
Agree with the hovering waiters. I was there with my husband and the staff probably interrupted us every 3 minutes, and I wish I was exaggerating! We had to hold onto our bread for dear life! All in all, it was a great experience, the place is beautiful and most of the food was really good.
Lake View Too avatar
SoWal Insider
#8
Agree with the hovering waiters. I was there with my husband and the staff probably interrupted us every 3 minutes, and I wish I was exaggerating! We had to hold onto our bread for dear life! All in all, it was a great experience, the place is beautiful and most of the food was really good.

When we went opening night, I felt the hovering waiters, also. It seemed like five of them were watching every plate that might be finished. Chip, one of the owners, said they were going to use some drapes as "room dividers" to knock down some of the noise level (and maybe keep the pesky waiters at bay). The food was just fine, and I want to go back soon to take in the atmosphere of the bar.
Kurt avatar
Admin
#9
I think with tourists it is easy to do well if your place has a unique ambience or location even if your food is mediocre at best. Just look at the Old Florida Fish House for example, I don't think I have ever had an above average meal there and they are always packed. The V is still too new to judge the food in my opinion. :)

I believe V wants to be great. They will get the few little problems fixed, and I'm guessing fast.

Not talking about V here but just in general to your point:

Most folks are used to mediocre back home also, except for those that know good food and know where to go. I've always appreciated New Orleans - the locals there don't really allow bad food to exist, even for tourists. But NOLA is pretty unique.

Mediocre restaurants in SoWal are going to continue if they can make enough money in the summer to pay the bills in the off season. And all of our restaurants are packed all summer. Some of them have very high rent though, especially ones that are less than 10 years old.
Beach Runner avatar
beats on hood
#10
So tell me what to order, please.:wave:

Big D totally intimidates hovering waiters without saying anything (his body language and his predator "look" is his trademark), so that won't be a problem for us.
Scooter avatar
Beach Fanatic
#11
Totally doesn't sound like my kind of place! Looks beautiful, but again, I'm from New Orleans!
salidaco avatar
Beach LoverAuthor
#12
The Pickles!! They come with the sliders and are amazing.

My hubby had the Lamb, Stone crab claws, and mussels. He like those





So tell me what to order, please.:wave:

Big D totally intimidates hovering waiters without saying anything (his body language and his predator "look" is his trademark), so that won't be a problem for us.
scooterbug44 avatar
SoWal Expert
#13
Too attentive waiters are far better than those who seem to have clocked out or are out back taking a cigarette break. :roll:

In the reasons for me to return to a restaurant, food is #1, service is #2, price is #3, and ambiance is a factor.
DuneAHH avatar
Beach Fanatic
#14
Too attentive waiters are far better than those who seem to have clocked out or are out back taking a cigarette break. :roll:

In the reasons for me to return to a restaurant, food is #1, service is #2, price is #3, and ambiance is a factor.

I totally agree.
There is always the option to kindly ask too attentive service to relax.

There's rarely a positive fix or solution for that other kind of service.
makeitagreatday avatar
Beach Comber
#15
Finally some creativity and great food!

I totally agree.
There is always the option to kindly ask too attentive service to relax.

There's rarely a positive fix or solution for that other kind of service.

My wife and I had a fantastic dinner last Friday with the honor of sitting at the "Chef's Table." Chef David keenly moved about his kitchen observing and ensuring the quality of his menu was at its highest as it left the kitchen.

Those of you who mentioned too much attention may need to learn to appreciate proper service. I agree with the above, kindly ask for less service. "There's rarely a positive fix or solution for that other kind of service." Well said.

The food was some of the most creative I have seen on the panhandle in some time. If you want standard fried fish, hit a fry house or tourist restaurant. What you'll find here are some unique creations using local staples and products. Well done Sean, Chip and Chef David!
salidaco avatar
Beach LoverAuthor
#16
Great for you!
I went back last Saturday and was disappointed again. Cheese plate was awesome though. Just read an article in Bon Appitete. they were talking about waiting for reviews(past) but that now restaurants need to be ready right away for reviews. I will stick to my favorites...30A, etc. thanks for trying though! They will still be busy with the location, style of restaurant, etc.






My wife and I had a fantastic dinner last Friday with the honor of sitting at the "Chef's Table." Chef David keenly moved about his kitchen observing and ensuring the quality of his menu was at its highest as it left the kitchen.

Those of you who mentioned too much attention may need to learn to appreciate proper service. I agree with the above, kindly ask for less service. "There's rarely a positive fix or solution for that other kind of service." Well said.

The food was some of the most creative I have seen on the panhandle in some time. If you want standard fried fish, hit a fry house or tourist restaurant. What you'll find here are some unique creations using local staples and products. Well done Sean, Chip and Chef David!
scooterbug44 avatar
SoWal Expert
#17
Finally checked them out - I love the big round bar and plan to be a frequent visitor. Love that there is lots of room all around it, so you can hang out in the bar even if the seats are full and not be getting in the way of servers or crowding people.

We got a couple apps to share and liked them - the only bad part was that we kept getting shell bits in the raw oysters, a first for me. They had run out of one thing I really wanted to try (a good thing IMO as it usually means fresher ingrediants are being used and totally understandable considering it was an hour wait for a table), so I will try it next time.

Didn't have a problem with overattentive service - the great service there (except for one rude girl who is apparently being replaced) was a welcome change to the absentee/lackluster service that is sadly the norm at many places.

IMO if they can get the kitchen issues worked out it will be a HUGE success. And if they don't, I'll leave the dining area to the tourists and happily enjoy the bar.
MommaMia avatar
Beach Lover
#18
Try the Fried Tomato Croutons

Yummy!
SGB avatar
Beach Fanatic
#19
We had great food and great service! Everyone at our table enjoyed their meal - we all had some form of fish. We were also given cornbread & vegetables. The service was top notch - there when we needed it, no hovering when we didn't need it. The overall feel of the restaurant is high end and it's a beautiful space. I'd like to eat outside at one of the tables along 30A sometime. The prices were a little steep, so it will be for special occasions for us. I think they'll be slammed all summer with the tourists.

We own a house a couple of blocks from V and weren't too sure what to think when the plans were originally announced, but feel differently now. The restaurant is beautiful inside and out. It's great to have a few more places within walking distance to the house for our guests and to have such a great looking street corner at a main intersection.
Matt J avatar
SWGB
#20
Yummy!

Not to be rude, but could you be more specific? What did you have to eat, drink, etc.
ktschris avatar
Beach Fanatic
#21
Not to be rude, but could you be more specific? What did you have to eat, drink, etc.


I think she was referring to Try the Fried Tomato Croutons above the yummy
Beach Comber
#22
I disagree!!

I have a real problem with folks who feel that we should give new restaurants a break when they fail to perform. If they are charging full price....the food quality and service should excel. In the Toronto area new restaurants often do "soft openings" with lower than normal reservations, lower prices and restricted menu...that way everyone wins. Full price for mediocre food and service....sorry!!
Douglas the Intrepid avatar
Beach Fanatic
#23
Apparently neither the food or service is mediocre at the "V". I personally reserve my "real problem" for things that are important enough to warrant such an investiture of energy. I am happy to see the "V" worked out the bugs from their opening night. I can't wait to try them out myself!
scooterbug44 avatar
SoWal Expert
#24
I agree that a new place should get a little leeway - especially right when they open.......but I also think that paying customers are not who you need to work out all the kinks on.

You've typically got 2 visits to get it together before you lose my business.

Edited

Beach Comber
#25
To Douglas

If you read my post you will note that I did not say that the food or service was mediocre. Contrary to many posters I do not post opinions on things that I have not experienced.

I was responding to the post that said one should give newly opened venues a break if the food and service is not up to expectations.

I do not agree....if they are not confident that their food, service and ambience will be up to expectations....they need to modify something......price!!!
Matt J avatar
SWGB
#26
Went the other night and had a wonderful time. I ordered the calamari and oysters, unfortunately they were out of oysters (which is fine considering I'd prefer nothing over old stale ingredients) so I replaced it with the Green Curry Mussels. Nothing like a disappointment turning into a great night. The mussels are excellent and the calamari is out of this world! The wait staff put up with our craziness and was very knowledgeable, helpful, courteous, and professional. All in all a wonderful night, this place will definitely be a hit.

Checking your forum account

Please wait while we verify your forum account.