The first time I went to Olive & Ivy was under slight duress. I am an independent business snob and I freely admit it but Fox's restaurant concepts are bordering on chain at this point. Yet when I arrived I was struck by the interior design (the same designer that did SideBar from what I'm told). I love the hanging amber lights that look like they are floating in air and the general vibe of the place (minus the people that all look the same, typical Scottsdale). I was pleasantly surprise. \n\nFast forward to last night. I actually suggested the place to entertain friends from DC and New York. The experience was memorable. Our waiter Rick was super, knew the food and was very authentic and cheerful. I had the braised short-rib with a sauce that was in perfect harmony with the polenta and the beef that truly melts in your mouth. My partner had the scampi risotto and our friends, the sea bass. All of the dishes were fantastic. Most impressive, when the dishes came out to the table, all of the runners knew exactly what each person had ordered and the plate was promptly put down in front of the right diner. This is so important for a restaurant to remember and something often forgotten. \n\nListen if we are going to plunk down about $200 for a meal, it is common courtesy (and very simple to find out) which diner ordered what. When a lazy server comes to the table with no enthusiasm asking \"who had the .....\" that just pisses me off. \n\nSo all in all, I really liked this place and we will definitely be back.
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