The Ivy is a restaurant that has been on the radar to visit for many years. A birthday celebration gave us the perfect chance to dine at this wonderful place in the heart of Harrogate.
The dining area feels very grand and has a colourful bright decor. The staff are welcoming and gave service that felt quite personal. We were made to feel like we were valuable diners.
The decadent meal started off with a selection of small dishes. The Salt-crusted Sourdough Bread was a whole loaf of bread, cut into four wedges. This was served warm. It was delicious on its own or with a thick layer of butter. Thin crispy strips of courgette were the moreish Zucchini Fritti and they were so easy to keep eating. They went well dipped into the lemon, chilli and mint yogurt that came on the side. The Truffle Arancini Balls were quite small but still delicious. The tasty truffle was encased in the creamy rice and crunchy outer.
For drinks, tropical juices were chosen. Such a sunshine drink, both in colour and in taste. The tropical juice was a mix of melon, pineapple, mango and passion fruit.
The meal continued with good portions of the main dishes. The Pan-fried Moroccan Style Salmon was perfectly cooked with a crispy skin. A layer of smoked aubergine was under the salmon and a spiced creamy tomato sauce was served on the side. Added textures and flavours were provided by the almond slices, green beans and fresh lemon. The flavours of the meaty salmon were balanced with the sauce and vegetables.
A crispy crumbed tender chicken breast was the Chicken Supreme Milanese. It was topped with a fried egg which was cooked well done as asked for. There was a creamy truffle sauce in a jug on the side. Salad mache and Parmesan were additional toppings on the chicken. The main components of this dish, the chicken, egg and truffle sauce, complimented each other.
The Brick-Roasted Chicken was a really hearty dish. Chicken and mushrooms are a wonderful classic combination. The half chicken came de-boned. It was surrounded by a good amount of creamed wild mushroom sauce. The dish also consisted of green beans, black truffle and salad leaves.
Pigs in Blankets are always irresistible and were spotted as part of another dish on the menu. It was a bonus that the server brought us the Pigs in Blankets as a side dish when we asked if this was possible. These little morsels of the sausage and bacon were great.
Dessert could not be missed and it was a real treat. The big profiterole was filled with chocolate mousse. It was topped with plenty of thick chocolate sauce. Caramel sauce was swirled around the profiterole and additional chocolate mousse was on the side. This really decadent dessert was a great way to end to the meal.
The Ivy provided us with an absolutely delicious meal out. The quality of the food and service was truly superb. It was a memorable dinner out.
The Ivy, 7-9 Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2QU
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