The Ivy - Wheaton

We were in downtown Wheaton yesterday for the first time in many years, so long that the last time was when the tapas place was in business where Austen BBQ is now. I had done a brief on line search before we left and decided to try out The Ivy. It's in a restored church that was once a fairly well know restaurant that I can't remember (120 Ocean Place?) The interior is beautiful and there is a very nice looking outdoor courtyard along the south wall. We were seated near the front, in the back was a nice fireplace and there were some areas for large parties in an alcove. The main dining room is open to the ceiling with all the old stained glass along the wall that goes out to the courtyard. There is also seating in what would be the choir loft. There is a small bar area near the front door. On to the food. We were there at lunch, there is a smallish but varied menu with items marked as vegetarian which made my partner smile. Warm bread is usually brought to the table but the oven wasn't "warm enough" yet (it was 11:20 or so) My partner wound up choosing Butternut Squash Ravioli which were pillows of gorgonzola dressed with a cream sauce. It was declared heavenly. I had the Cubano Sandwich which came on a good sized cibatta bun. Nice tender chunks of slow roasted pork and slices of ham with swiss cheese and pickles. It came with terrific hand cut fries that would have been a wonderful meal itself. The sandwich was wonderful with the only draw back being that the juice from the pork completely demolished the bottom of the soft bun and it became a mess pretty quickly. I kept having to wipe my hands on their lovely white cloth napkins but at least I kept it mostly off of me! The service was pleasant but our server was slightly distracted by having to wait on us (her only table at that time) and doing bar and wine inventory. All in all, we will happily go back.

The Ivy
120 Hale Street
Wheaton, Il 630-665-2489
http://www.ivyofwheaton.com/index.html

Just to set the record straight, the Ivy was never a church, it was a funeral parlor. Not a choir loft...just a second floor...and the kitchens are where the embalming parlor was located.

As for the food, I always enjoy eating there..FWIW.

Yes it was a funeral parlor then a stationary store. I had only been there when it was a store and then One Ocean Place. I did think the place was really nice inside but whatever I had was not memorable so I have never been to the Ivy. Looks like I will have to try it. Somehow its never on my radar screen.

Then it was a pretty fancy funeral home!

Yes it is fancy and it supposedly has a resident ghost or two if you believe in that kind of thing.