Ivory House in Westwood…Fab but not too Fussy!4 min read

Ivory House

I was so excited to check out the new restaurant in Westwood and I left even more excited thinking of when I could go back. This is a Foodie Alert!

Ivory House opened mid-July. It has already been a welcomed addition to the community who is so excited to have an upscale, yet not overly fussy, a place to go and experience “elevated familiar foods” as described by Head Chef Dana Adkins. Dana and sous chef,  Rob Scannell come from good stock with expertise in the industry at some of Cincy’s favorites. Together they have created an extensive menu that will please everyone’s palate even catering to the vegans & vegetarians in your life. 

What I tried…

Chef Adkins brought out some of his favorite items for me to try and WOW… let’s just say I wasn’t hungry the rest of the day :) I started with the Scallop Crudo Scallops topped over collard green kimchi, pickled chilies, whipped lard, and crispy benne seed crackers. It was followed by the Ivory House Waygu & Cheddar Sandwich – waygu top round, Ivory House steak sauce, smoked Ohio cheddar, onion straws on a brioche bun. Oh, and if that doesn’t sound like enough, I dove into the Mussel Diablo with pickled chili- tomato broth, sorrel salsa verde, and grilled bread. They, of course, have an amazing craft cocktail menu to help wash all of that down. I tried the Death Valley Farm Old Fashion and the East Meets Westwood (cute name and delish). 

They take enormous pride in the use of around 90% local ingredients. I know that we hear people talk about this a lot,  but it really is cool when you can support so many people in our area who are growing produce and farms that are able to supply local meat and local cheese that ends up creatively prepared for us to enjoy. I was told that one day Chef went to the farm, pulled the carrots, came back washed, and prepared them for the dinner menu that evening… you can’t get fresher than that.

I love what they did with the old bank space. They kept the 60’s bank entrance but really took the inside to another level. The beautiful blue that is carried throughout the whole restaurant is so pretty and accented with white. And nice touch with the white piano that will entertain you with live tunes Thursday thru Sunday. 

Owners & Ivory House

The owner’s Rick Pouliot & Frank Eversole didn’t just pick Westwood out of a hat for this venture. They are long time residents and property investors in Westwood. Frank said he loves seeing all of the development happening and the neighborhood is really on an upswing. He loves the neighborhood and is pleased that people are really happy to see the Ivory House in the area. 

Why Ivory House? It is named in homage to James N.Gamble .. you guessed it from the P & G family (Ivory Soap in case you haven’t caught on yet:)  but, more importantly, the last Mayor of Westwood when it was its own city.  They were in awe of the legacy of what he did for the area and his philanthropy so they felt it was a perfect name.  

Things to know:

• 2998 Harrison Ave. 

• Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m. , Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. – 11 p.m. , Sunday 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. – 10 p.m.   ( hours will change when Brunch starts and they will open at 9:00 a.m.)

• They have a Lunch & Dinner Special every day! The lunch special is $10 

• For those who do not venture to the Westside, It is easy to get to so don’t be worried ;) 

• Plenty of parking all around the building and on the street 

• Open for lunch, dinner & starting August 15th at 9:00 a.m. BRUNCH will be available on Saturday & Sundays …Yes, I can’t wait for this! There is a curbside to-go lunch menu 

• They do take reservations 513-389- 0175

• They have a large wine selection and soon will have wine lockers for purchase 

• A wonderful party room is available for gathering seating 10 people