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Ivy
Restaurant:
Perfect for an adventurous evening out, Ivy’s dinner menu is comprised mostly of small plates- a delightful menu trend that encourages trying new dishes, and a variety of them with little commitment. Call it the "speed dating" of dining. Food and Wine: 19 I sampled many of the small plates, the first being the Ravioli su fungi, ($10). The pasta was tender and filled with creamy ricotta and portabellas. The entire plate was delicious, topped with a few pieces of crisp asparagus, but the portion was quite small, consisting of 5 silver dollar sized pieces. I looked at it as an opportunity to order another dish. One of my dinner companions had been raving about the Sautéed Mussels ($9) she had ordered, and even though the portion was large she was hesitant to pass the dish around to everyone at the table, because evidently they were that good. She let me try one, and it was so amazing that I flagged down the waiter to get an order of them myself. The mussels themselves were small, but the Riesling Almond Butter sauce is what makes them to die for, and you’ll want to soak up every last bit of it with the grilled garlic toast. My friend and I both agreed we would come back just for the mussels. I also tried the Seared Scallops ($12), which were wonderful but again a small portion. The wine list is quite sufficient for the type- a standardized price of $26 for every bottle, which just like the small plates, allows you to be a little adventurous. For those with a limited knowledge of wine, this is a real turn-on to not have to deliberate over the price, only the flavor. Being partial to spicy reds, I chose a Montepulciano ”Rupicolo” 2003, which had a very rich black fruit flavor with hints of strawberry. It had a smooth palate, and the long aftertaste was not sweet but fruity. Quite a nice wine for the price, and everyone at the table said they enjoyed it. The meal was finished with tiny, but complimentary cones of yummy blueberry sorbet for everyone. Ivy does not offer a dessert menu, which I found lacking. Usually after small plates, most people are eager to sample a dessert menu as well. They do offer a chocolate hazelnut fondue ($11) but it is only offered on the cocktail lounge menu. Service: 13 The service was attentive for the most part. A main dish arrived before the salad was finished, but the mistake was noticed and quickly remedied by our server. Small attention to details, such as bringing new silverware once it was used and left on the plate, or folding the napkin if a guest left the table, didn’t seem to be on the service protocol. However, our food and wine arrived promptly, our water was refilled continuously. The waiter was friendly but not intrusive, and he made suggestions from the menu when asked for a recommendation. Décor: 12 Ivy romances with plush red velvet chairs, exposed brick and eclectic chandeliers. The dim overhead lighting creates an ambiance is perfect for a date, but I don’t recommend it for a business dinner. Though not elegant, Ivy is luxe and trendy. Add some white linens, a good bottle of wine, and flirting is sure to follow. Value: 19 The value of Ivy’s menu fluctuates between fair and excellent. Some of the small plates are a large portion with a small price tag such as the Sautéed Mussels and worth every penny. Some were much smaller portions such as the Seared Scallops ($12) . The wine list is a great value, and overall, so is the menu. Recommended: 20 The food and wine are the biggest reason to go to Ivy. If romantic atmosphere and adventurous dining are what you crave, look no further. The small plates are a great way to initiate sharing and conversation, and the chances of finding something to love are high. The mussels alone were enough to bring me back, and there are still other items on the menu I would like to try. Commitment issues aside, I already have a crush on Ivy.
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