#InauguralReview #DonGiovanni Since 2021 by #ShanaSpinosa and #GiovanniSpinosa #Napoli #Contemporary #Italian #PortOrange #VolusiaCounty #Florida
Lobster ravioli and shrimp is Peachy Deegan's favorite and is among the very best on the entire East Coast
It's not who you know, it's WHOM YOU KNOW and we know Shana and Giovanni Spinosa, wife and husband team setting the standard for Italian culinary excellence in Volusia County, Florida. Shana and Giovanni opened Don Giovanni on October 18, 2021 and Giovanni is the Executive Chef. Of course, this area is home to the World Center of Racing and when you see a Corvette in front, that is always a harbinger of a stellar review. Napoli's loss is Florida's gain and we are thrilled to show you exactly why. Don Giovanni restaurant like the man himself is named after Giovanni Spinosa's grandfather. Surely he is with him in spirit here.
We could not be more thrilled to kick off our dining reviews in the State of Florida and this was scheduled to happen in 2024 but Mother Nature and her hurricanes had other plans.
From the moment we stepped a single foot in the door, Giovanni Spinosa himself graciously greeted us and seated us and the fresh bread and expertly seasoned olive oil welcomed our palate. Ambiant Bocelli music graced our ears and it was not too loud at all.
Avid readers know we like to see what dishes are all about when we see the name of the restaurant in them. Avid readers also know that we never edit pictures. You win like Giovanni or we do not publish.
Please say enchante to the Don Giovanni Salad.
Arugula is served with Cherry Tomatoes, shaved parmesan, mini mozzarella balls that are quite captivating, and prosciutto. All elements of this nutritious amalgamation were supremely fresh and delicious. A homemade balsamic glaze is the ideal companion and they listened and put it on the side as requested by Ms. Pretty Picky. We highly commend their nine salad choices and the very best Peachy's Picks are invited to our column, Sensational Salads.
Equally commendable is the Artichokes and Parmesan Salad. Romaine lettuce is topped with gorgeously marinated artichokes, tomatoes, onion, shaved parmesan of the ideal thinness, and the artichokes vinaigrette was on the side as requested. Both salads we tried were triumphant and far superior in composition and quality both. They are of a generous size as well and note the menu has GF designations for Gluten Free if you are looking for that.
The story of Don Giovanni begins in 2012 when Giovanni Spinosa arrived in the USA, specifically to New Jersey in Toms River. In 2013, Giovanni arrived in Florida and met Florida native Shana, and it is evident that they are in it to win it with Don Giovanni. Don Giovanni was originally in another location in Port Orange, Florida and today they are located at 1633 Taylor Road where you'll discover 125 coveted seats inside and an additional 32 on the patio outside. They use both imported and local suppliers and are open six days a week. (not Sunday) The menu reflects Italy as a whole, not a certain region. This is their first review by Whom You Know.
Beef Lasagna is crafted on premises and this homemade lasagna will wow you in every captivating bite. Layers of pasta, ground beef, ricotta and mozzarella meld wonderfully in the Don Giovanni oven to make your day, even you Clint Eastwood. And ya ought to feel lucky, punk, to behold and dine upon the Classic Chicken Parmesan entree of organic farm chicken: it doesn't get better than this in Florida and the perfectly pounded and breaded chicken in sublime marinara sauce will absolutely put a smile not only on your palate but also your face. And it will be genuine. As you know, we have extensive Chicken Parm experience and Peachy might be the only one crazy enough to have an entire column dedicated to this dish.
The eight inch subs absolutely hit the spot and the Meatball grinder is a solid performer (Peachy is from Connecticut so she says grinder. People in New York might say hero. People in Boston and Florida might say sub. You all know everyone just means SANDWICH.) It automatically comes with fries and you also could get a salad instead. This is perfect to bring to the beach or on the plane. Jetblue has direct flights from JFK to DAB now finally so if you are reading this now after a three hour plane ride, you could be eating this and going to the beach.
It's obvious that Giovanni takes tremendous pride and joy in his vocation and you will taste the talent and enthusiasm.
Spaghetti with clams vogued for the camera and insisted upon a closeup.
Seafood deliveries to Don Giovanni occur every other day, ensuring freshness.
The spaghetti with clams is a magnificent feast of the sea, and as a peninsula state, Florida is uniquely positioned to thrive in the realm of seafood. A luxurious garlic evoo sauce envelops these little morsels and the exquisite white clams will enchant your appetite. You may also order this in a red sauce but we prefer this classic style shown. Another promising pasta that is not found in the pasta section but rather in the Second Entrees section is the Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti, an innovative take on the dish with elevated tangy lemon flavor: shrimp is sauteed in a white wine garlic combination with evoo sauce and is further enhanced with ripe cherry tomatoes which punctuate the dish with flavor, color and nutrition. La Molisana spaghetti from Italy is used in this smashing number.
Don Giovanni Risotto is testament to the talents of Giovanni Spinosa, and the remarkable depth of flavor reflects his high level of dedication to his craft and commitment to quality, which is an everyday vocation at Don Giovanni. Six shrimp and cremini mushrooms wonderfully waltz in a supreme light brandy cream sauce with risotto.
Giovanni tells us he is "all in" and he does nothing halfway; this is most evident in the commanding Lobster Ravioli which is absolutely competitive with the best we've ever had. The Beatles might be a Fab Four but these ravioli are a Fab Five, all made on premises. The aromatic savory scent will enliven your senses as your proximity to the dish increases, culminating in culinary glory when the lobster ravioli befriends your palate. The sauce is super rich and amazing, and additionally five shrimp come to the party on a plate and they go together beautifully.
Don Giovanni really impressed us and we can't wait to see what they do next.
