The Ivy--A Patio and Menu in Bloom

Having been rather rudely treated in the past, I have written some fairly stern sentences about The Ivy, 113 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 274-8303. And when I decided to try it for lunch last Saturday (it is one of the few places that serves late into the afternoon), I was not expecting much. I was in for a very pleasant surprise. The outdoor patio was in full bloom, there were violets at every table, the service was swift, the meal was leisurely-- and absolutely everything we ate was delicious.

I began with a Bellini, that drink of the moment (it’s made of peach juice and Champagne). Then I devoured the better part of a warm loaf of molasses-laced bread. Crab salad was fresh and fine, and a generous tostada came topped with lightly grilled strips of chicken. I would have been happier had the salsa been spicier--but that’s a quibble. We ended with coffee and an impressive raspberry pie. The whole lunch was so lovely that I am entirely happy to eat my earlier words.