Johannes
Palm Springs, CA 92262-6604
Phone: (760) 778-0017
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Arenas Road
- Hours:
- Tue-Sun 6pm-10:30pm
Editorial Review for Johannes – by Mar Yvette
The Scene
A modern and minimal palette of cantaloupe- and periwinkle-colored walls, industrial track lighting, white linen tablecloths and eggshell-hued leather chairs sets the tone for this haute foodie favorite from Austrian-born chef/owner Johannes Bacher.
The Food
A casual yet attentive black-clad waitstaff present eclectic meat and seafood dishes artfully arranged by Chef Bacher, who works in the long open kitchen located at the entrance's main bar. The sophisticated mix of straight couples and gay crowds usually can't resist starting with the playfully named menage a trois, a robust mixture of lobster, shrimp and scallops dressed in a licoricey, spicy-sweet cream sauce. The lightly breaded wiener schnitzel, carefully set alongside roasted fingerling potatoes and cranberry jelly, is a signature dish, but the daily specials--such as the aromatically moist halibut, mounted atop a thick swirl of pineapple sauerkraut and smoke-roasted bratwurst halves--are distinct pleasers not likely to be found anywhere else on this desert strip of restaurants.
Hits: The open kitchen creates a warm and welcoming environment where folks can watch the master at work.
Misses: The lackluster storefront belies the creative cuisine within; also, vegetarians will be hard-pressed to find a meatless entree.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe mostly California wine selection--some 450 bottles--focuses on pinots; about 50 wines are available by the half bottle and 25 by the glass, including seven Champagne varietieies. There are also international selections from Germany, Argentina and beyond.
Fun FactWhile the recipe for the 'menage a trois' sauce remains a secret, Chef Bacher does reveal that a few of the 17 ingredients include taragon, creme fraiche, truffles, tabasco sauce and Grand Marnier.
User Reviews for Johannes
02/13/2006 Posted by butch3b
My wife and the couple we were traveling with wanted to find something other than another steak house and we did! We all thoroughly enjoyed the food, wine and service. The restaurant itself was small and a little cool but didn't hinder our enjoyment of it. Dress warm and enjoy.
Pros: Great food, Great service, interesting crowd
Cons: Parking, Prices
01/14/2006 Posted by dbarnes963
My husband and I took my parents to Johannes over the holidays after hearing wonderful reviews. The service ruined not only the meal, but the entire evening. Our waiter acted like he had a huge chip on his shoulder for having to work. He would not describe the menu, he was huffy when we asked him for water, he neglected putting our orders in on a timely basis-- everyone got their food at a different time, most of which had to be sent back for over-cooking or under-cooking. He was downright mean. Angry. The food was forgettable, at best. There was no manager on duty to speak with, even though we were clearly frusterated-- as were many other tables.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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