Sample a melange of Mediterranean, European, and Asian delicacies at the ultra-chic Ivoryy in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, where the meal is accompanied with views of a Mughal tomb. By Bayar Jain
It’s after sundown and I’m looking for a laidback space to unwind after a long day at work. Cocktails always feel like a good idea for this, and Ivorry—a self-proclaimed ‘cocktail garden’—promises to help with this.
Ambience
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Shining bright at a quiet lane of Panchshila Park in Malviya Nagar, Ivoryy creates a modern chic seating in every corner, right from its glistening gold signboard. Think canopied corners on its terrace, sofas and large bay windows indoors, and a third alfresco seating where backyard-style bamboo furniture, marble tabletops shaded by trees, a mini fountain take centre-stage. Juxtaposing this is a forgotten Mughal tomb next door.
A quick walk on the pebbled paths, I seat myself next to Areca palms lining the boundary. A faint candle light illuminates my table while modern English pop songs echo in the background—another example of how Ivoryy brings together the old with new.
Food and Beverages
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I begin the evening with what Ivoryy specialises in—cocktails! The Buzz—my first tonic—is a whiskey-based coffee bitters and vermouth drink. The subtle hints of coffee hit as an aftertaste, while the whiskey itself leaves a lingering taste. My second drink, the mixologist’s out-of-menu creation, is a blend of cranberry juice with vodka and vermouth. Served in a stemmed glass, this drink tips on the sweeter-tangier side, weighing heavy on the fruity notes.
To pair my drinks, I start with crispy silken tofu, and (spoiler alert!) I love every bit of it! Not one to ordinarily savour tofu, this uber-soft version comes marinated in black bean sauce with an outer crunchy exterior giving it a delectable bite. Within seconds, I’ve polished the plate clean. Next up are the tempura vegetables with basil and go miso. The assortment of vegetables (such as broccoli, onion, carrots, etc.) are beautifully deep-fried and doused in creamy miso. Pro tip: finish it quick before the steam renders the veggies too soggy.
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For mains, I’ve got a vegetarian mie goreng. An Indonesian dish, this wok noodle creation is nostalgia in all its glory. Think quintessential street-side chowmein, and replace the cabbage with zucchini and bell peppers julienned with finesse. My favourite, however, is the absolutely inspiring aubergine mess. In its simplest form, the dish is a whole aubergine roasted and served with pita. A bite into the soft goodness says otherwise. Sitting snug in a pomegranate molasses and berries dip, this dish by Ivoryy is a masterful blend of sweet, sour, tangy, and umami.
In the final act, the chef recommends a burnt babka. This sweet dessert is a marriage of chocolate- and hazelnut- flavoured bread topped with sweetened plums and condensed milk. As I scoop the last bits of the dessert, the tomb’s lights also switch off in the distance.
Details for Ivoryy
Address: T-540, Panchshila Rendezvous Complex, Maharishi Dayanand Marg, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 12 noon to 01:00 am
Price for two: INR 1,500 for two people (approx.)
For reservations, call: +919289070222 / +918800901139
Related: TL Reviews: Motodo, Mumbai — Where Authentic Italian Meets Comfort Food
Bayar Jain
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