I had to take some clients out for dinner yesterday and asked my wife for some eatery ideas. She suggested this place which I never heard of and I must admit I jumped to some negative conclusions. I expected to find a pretentious, small portioned, over priced cafe next to the "Scottsdale Ditch" (sorry I meant to say Riverfront) where the seen and want to be seen hang. When we showed up not a lot of big surprises.
There is parking for about a dozen cars on the cul du sac for all of the shops but never fear there is the trusty valet who has already coned most of them off (is that even legal?) and will happily park your car for six bucks a throw. Sorry, I digress. It's just one of my pet peaves.
To be fair the restaurant decour was a pleasant surprise. Very contemporary; open room, high ceiling with an outside patio next to the ditch... uh river. The restaurant was about half full which was a departure from most of the others in the area which were empty. I mean like not one party inside! We were seated in a back room with floor to ceiling window views looking out on the patio and river. Now you can't exactly see the river from the restaurant cause they planted bushes on the edge of the patio. I'm paying a premium for a water front experience... where's my water?
I read about lousy service here but ours was OK. They kind of figured we were here to spend corporate money on a big party so they were tip motivated. The general impression from around the table was that the food was excellent, portions were ok, prices kind of high but what do you expect in that area? The wine list is extensive and pricey and the sommelier is well schooled in spending your money. With my thirsty crew I was looking in the two figure column and he was making three figure suggestions. Ouch!
Bottom line. I would return to Olive & Ivy but maybe in the fall so I can sit on the patio and get a peek at the beautiful Scottsdale river.