100 Favorite Dishes: No. 55 -- Gazpacho From John G's on the Beach

Jan Norris

John G's Gazpacho

​Maybe it's because you stand in John G's infamous line with hot beach sun beating down on you that you want the coldest food you can lock a lip around when you finally reach your well deserved seat.

Go for the gazpacho before you melt. Man, is it cool! Icy, in fact, seated as it is in its own chiller bowl full of ice. The just-right spicy mix of fresh chunky tomatoes, onions, cukes, and celery is so perfect, you wonder why on Earth all the goods come with it -- then you think, cooler still!

You get a pick of olives, cauliflower, pepperocini. In small monkey bowls, to mix in at your discretion, are more crispy chopped cukes, scallions, and croutons. A crunchy stalk of celery and an onion ring perch beautifully in the top of the glass; there's a dollop of sour cream dreamily plopped on top. There are crackers -- but who needs 'em?

This is a work of art! No matter -- this masterpiece fills the gullet with gazpacho goodness -- gone way too quickly. [Lip-smacking noise here] On to the irresistible fish and chips.

And so it goes -- all is temporal -- including, possibly, John G's. Get there for gazpacho before they tear it down -- allegedly at the end of May to rebuild Lake Worth's casino. (We hear it'll move elsewhere -- stay tuned!).

One more tip: You can get the gazpacho by the quart for takeout, even if it's all about the experience.

Previous 100 favorite dishes:
No. 56: Black & Blue Oysters from Shuck-N-Dive
No. 57: Latin Macho Burger from Latin Burger
No. 58: Dover Sole from French Corner Bistro & Rotisserie
No. 59: Cider Doughnuts from Chef John Carlino
No. 60: Breakfast in a Pot from Tom Sawyer Restaurant and Pastry Shop
No. 61: Fried Jumbo Shrimp from Betty's Soul Food
No. 62: Pastrami Sandwich from Primanti Bros.
No. 63: "Monster" Hoagie from LaSpada's Original Hoagies
No. 64: Truffled Chips from YOLO
No. 65: Black Skillet-Roasted Mussels from Timpano Chophouse
No. 66: Fish Sandwich from Lazy Loggerhead Cafe
No. 67: Fresh Tomato Pizza from Pizza Time
No. 68: Seafood Salad Sandwich from Le Tub
No. 69: Wings from Lefty's Tavern
No. 70: Sake Flight from Wild East Asian Bistro
No. 71: Croque Monsieur From Croissan'Time
No. 72: Mushroom in Tin Foil at Marumi Sushi
No. 73: Tapas Sharing Platter from Johnny V
No. 74: Cherry Crunch Donut from Dandee Donut Factory
No. 75: Brussel Sprouts from Cafe La Buca
No. 76: Linguine Vongole from Il Bellagio 
No. 77: Housemade Charcuterie from Market 17
No. 78: Crab Benedict at the Downtowner Saloon

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