by Natalie Schweiger

Jambalaya, smoky fried chicken, and barbecue pork pie. Besides making me hungry, what do these have in common? They all are evening specials at JV’s Bar and Grill. Prepared in house, every dish is perfect for a weeknight or weekend meal. Each offers hearty home-style flavors that satisfy the biggest of appetites.

I was fortunate to drop in on the evening claimed by the chimichanga brisket, a classic Mexican style dish familiar to many restaurant goers. JV however; gives his personal touch, by incorporating his always-popular smoked brisket.

A flour tortilla is filled with red onion, chopped tomato, salsa ranch, garlic Italian seasoning, sharp cheddar, a sprinkle of wild rice, and of course, a generous serving of smoked brisket. JV pan-fries the chimichanga in a cast iron skillet, finishing with a dip in the deep fryer to achieve that all-around golden shell.

Crisp to the touch, the tortilla greeted my knife with a soft crunch, opening to reveal the tender pork now coated in melted cheese. Warm salsa ranch trickled over the veggies as I dug in for my first bite, then a second, and a third, becoming more satisfied with each forkful. A smoky and spicy taste wrapped in textures both creamy and crisp. This chimichanga definitely earned its place on the calendar. Parallel to every item deemed a “special.”

I look forward to trying more of JV’s classic American cuisine and encourage you to do the same!

JV’s Downtown Bar & Grill is Located at:
117 N. Main St., Waterloo, IL, 62298.
Call: 618-939-7127
http://www.jvsbarandgrill.com