The Ivy Asia Brighton Press Opening Night
Last Month saw the long-awaited opening of the Ivy Asia in the heart of Brighton’s historic quarter. The restaurant is the Ivy’s first Asian inspired concept to open in Sussex, and launched to a star-studded fanfare complete with dancers, drums, sushi, champagne and cocktails. We were lucky enough to attend the exclusive opening night and let me tell you now you are in for a treat!
The space has to be seen to be believed. Sophisticated, sleek and effortlessly cool with luminous green onyx flooring and spectacular artworks adorning the walls. Luxurious Asian fabrics and carefully collected antiques are scattered throughout, while dim lighting exudes an understated elegance. Set over two floors the Ivy Asia will be open seven days a week, offering everything from lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and weekend brunch. It also promises theatrical drinks and cocktails alongside a menu of tantalising dishes that take inspiration from cuisines spanning the continent of Asia and given a unique twist, some of which were showcased on the opening night and were simply outstanding. We sampled dishes such as spinach and mushroom gyoza’s with ginger and black truffle, clay pot prawn and tamarind curry, and seared beef tataki with three kinds of onion, all showing off the skills and passion of executive chef Simon Gregory and his team and left us hankering for more. We cannot wait to go back to try out the rest of the menu.
Accompanying the menu will be a delicious selection of cocktails, sakes, wines, Champagnes and speciality Asian teas. The Cocktails we tried on the launch night transported us with a series of exciting flavours and colourful garnishes, lifting out spirits as we danced the night away to some great tunes provided by the Asia’s fantastic resident DJ.
Watch this space for my full review when we go back and give the Ivy Asia’s menu a thorough taste test.
