If you are following my blog, you know I am not really used writing bad reviews. I always tend to give places (and people) a second chance and try to justify them for their bad moments.

About yesterday night, unfortunately, I can really difficulty find any justification.

Starting from the beginning.

Since IVI opened, back before summer, I was really curious to try it. I like the location and I was very interested to their creative and innovative cuisine style.

Never having had the opportunity to pass by before, I learned about one of the events they organize, the Walking Appetizer night. I exchange some emails with them and they explained me that for a quite small fee (15 euro each), you have access all night to the kitchen, with small dishes distributed around during the event. It seemed interesting, so I booked, together with Anna, my place.

We arrived about 8 pm (the event lasted till 1 am), given our names to the entrance and for 15 euros each we received a bracelet and we headed to the bar. The location was pretty full but not packed. The waiter came to us and suggested a cocktail. We agreed and here came the first disappointment of the night.

I am pretty keen of paying even 20 euro for a good cocktail – I am famous for my passion for Gins that are not cheap – but I am not willing to pay 15 euro for a mini glass of what was basically strawberry juice with a lot of decorations. My friend’s drink was exactly the same, she was just sassier enough to ask for a refill.

Still frustrated for our drinks, we looked around realizing all people were basically eating peanuts. We waited. After a good half an hour in the place, a waiter with a platter of food – the first we have seen since our arrival – passed very fast in front of us, so fast I had to stop him to ask if I may have something to eat. He was almost reluctant, as I supposed he was heading directly to a group of “friends”. We soon discovered the appetizer was including peanuts butter and my friend is allergic, so I tasted it alone. It was great and it turned on my interest.

Unfortunately for the next half hour, again, we just waited. No food showed up in front of us. Basically in 1 hour there, only a small platter was taken to the room.

We were tired and disappointed. We spent 15 euro to drink a juice and further 15 for 1 appetizer in 1 hour, so we left.

I was not expecting to have a proper dinner, but at least that appetizers were coming more often. To me, it looked only a pretty bad scam to have people spending money on expensive (and silly) drinks.

Never again.

(BTW we moved to Brasserie Lorrainne and we enjoyed our night any case)