ivy fills my brain

I know that title sounds dramatic, but it is honestly my reality right now! Let me explain.

Last week I got to go on a date with my mom. We invariably love to try new places in town, and it was my turn to sniff out a lunch place for us to try. And let me just say, I am really impressed with my choice!

I chose Ivy Cafe in downtown Clayton, MO, one of many cafes lining the sidewalks of the bustling business district that Clayton has become. A unique aspect of this cafe is that they revise their menu every two months to incorporate in-season ingredients. Known for their artisan tartines, the cafe is filled with the aroma of freshly ground coffee and pungent herbs that enhance the cocktails.

The inspiration of this romantic experience was the founder's passion for freshly baked sourdough. This developed into the permanent use of the French open-face sandwich, the tartine, as a feature on the menu. The food they compose is truly melodic to the soul.

The STARt of The Show

It is officially the beginning of Fall, as of two days ago, so of course when I go to restaurants, I always check out the soup. And this soup embodies how I want to end every cold day from here on out. When their EGGPLANT SOUP is set in front of you, it flaunts a light green dense consistency and inviting steam. The first spoon loaded my heart with warmth. This is a hearty and filling soup, but the eyes always want more than the stomach can endure. I could not stop craving the earthy depth this soup provided along with perfectly balanced salty herbs. Perfection!

My Main

This was a lunch date, but I could not keep myself from getting the sweet dish when I heard the description! THE KIRKWOOD tartine. I know the name of this dish does not give you any clue as to what it is, but just wait, it's just as warm and welcoming as the real Kirkwood, a quaint town in Missouri. As the menu states "Featuring caramelized apples, dates, mint, in a sweet, creamy and buttery sauce. This is a must-try!" If the menu says it is a must-try, I usually get it, and so far, it has not disappointed me. And hey, although I chose the sweet lunch, at least it was mostly apples, and you know what they say about apples and doctors!

The foundation of this tartine was indeed their thick, house-made sourdough bread that makes you want to pick it up and bite into it, tearing the sticky crust inelegantly from your face. The content of what was on top of the bread was thick slices of tart apple, soaked in an apple-date caramel that made way for spicy, warm, and citrus notes. As I cut into the bread, there were strings of sticky cinnamon goo that beckoned me to keep enjoying. I will confess, I ended with a bit of the sauce from the apples on my face. But no matter, I was full of warm apples, and I was happy. You can always wipe your face, so don't be ashamed.

A Dream of Color and Spice

This was such an enjoyable lunch that involved lots of eating and tons of pointing and nodding to follow each bite. In at least my family that means "I can't even explain how good this is, and I don't want to because I need to immerse myself in this moment."

A memorable meal filled with hearing the updates of a loved one makes you sit back and reflect on the simple pleasure of the moment that was just shared. Ivy Cafe is a beautiful place that helped create a beautiful memory with my mom, and I can't wait to go back.