Johannes

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.