A huge thank you to Chef Chris P for hosting us on our visit to the Ivory Grille. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and our own! For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
5 star food from a 5 star chef in a town of 21,000 people?! Yup, that’s what you’ll find at the Ivory Grille in Sedalia, MO. Tucked into the corner of the historic Hotel Bothwell in historic downtown Sedalia is one of the finest restaurants in the Midwest that will give you a truly amazing culinary experience!
The History of the Ivory Grille
While the Ivory Grille has not been in the Hotel Bothwell by name since the building of the Bothwell, a restaurant has been present for it’s duration! Formerly known as the Palm Room, the Ivory Grille’s decor has been renovated to reflect it’s rich history! The name of the Palm Room has been memorialized in an extension of the restaurant used for seating on busy nights or can be reserved for private parties!
Chef Chris
Chef Chris P, the executive chef at the Ivory Grille knows exactly how to manipulate food to it’s very best version. Chris isn’t professionally trained (as in he didn’t attend culinary school), but don’t let that scare you aware! He is no average joe chef. Several years ago, he trained under chefs in Florida and traveled to a few other states before landing at the Ivory Grill. Chef Chris is very in-tune with his food and understands how to enhance the flavors he works with instead of covering it up.
Ambiance & Service
Of course, I’ll get to the amazing food, but I have to mention the beautiful ambiance and impeccable service. Upon entering the Ivory Grille you are greeted by friendly and professional staff. Of course, there are so many historic elements in the restaurant that you are transported back in time to an elegant dining experience! Amy, our waitress, served us with fantastic service. She was professional and friendly all at the same time!
The facility is not a large one, so if you are there on a weekend, you’ll want to make sure to get a reservation ahead of time, but it’s worth it! But, this also means that you get personalized service from all staff members! On weekends, enjoy the music from a live pianist. I loved following along and identifying familiar tunes!
The Phenomenal Food
Prior to our visit, I was so excited to try the food from the Ivory Grille after following Chef Chris on Instagram, but after our meal, I realize I truly was not prepared for it!
Starting Off
We started off our meal with shrimp cocktail and salads. The menu offers three types of side salads to accompany each entree: garden, cesar, and their house salad. T went with the garden while I selected the house salad which was high quality greens along with strawberries, apple slices, and mandarin oranges along with housemade french fried onions. It was so delicious. The shrimp cocktail was cold and flavorful and delicious. Truth be told, it was my first shrimp cocktail experience and I was not disappointed.
Entrees
For our entrees, we were lucky enough to enjoy three different options! T selected the prime rib with a loaded baked potato and I picked the Cedar Plank Crab Stuffed Rainbow Trout. Chef Chris also treated us to his Peach Grilled Shrimp on Citrus Risotto! T raved about his prime rib stating that it was probably the very best he’s ever had. Chef Chris has a way of accentuating the beef flavor without over seasoning!
Photo Courtesy of Chef Chris
The trout…oh my, the trout was delicious, but the crab stuffing was AH-MAZING! The combination of veggies, bread crumbs, and crab was delectable. It was the perfect blend of flavors. The trout was not fishy at all and the ingredients were all so fresh tasting!
The Peach Grilled Shrimp was heavenly. The shrimp was slightly charred with a delicious peach sauce on it. The flavors blended well together in a way I had never thought of. The citrus risotto was done perfectly and flavorful without being overpowering. Broccoli accompanied each of the entrees and it was steamed well and lightly seasoned.
Photo Courtesy of Chef Chris
Dessert
After dinner, I didn’t think I could eat another bite and then Chef Chris offered me a slice of his Lemon Cream Cake. Lemon is my love flavor and when he mentioned a kiwi sauce drizzle, I knew I couldn’t turn it down. T questioned my ability to eat the entire slice, but after one bite, I knew I was devouring it all. This was, without a doubt, the very best cake I’ve ever had. The perfect level of sweetness, lemon, and cream made up this perfection!
Experience the Ivory Grille
When you’re looking for somewhere new to explore and eat some amazing food, plan your trip to Sedalia, MO, and the Ivory Grille. Experience some of the finest dining in the midwest in the historic and beautiful setting! And of course, make sure to tell them the Flints sent you!
And once you’re done with your amazing meal, check out a little bit more of Sedalia!
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That food looks AMAZING! Thanks for sharing a great place. Just goes to show that you don’t have to go to a big city to find 5 star dining!
Yes! I knew it was going to be good, but I had no idea of just how good it was going to be! I love finding treasures like this in a small community!
The food here looks amazing – especially the trout! What a great place for a date night!
It is a great place for date night!
The food looks delicious and I love the historic setting. What a great find!
It is a great combo and a perfect way to spend an evening!!