Saoirse Continues in her new series, “Restaurant Review” where she will review some of the best restaurants in Second Life! Eating is an art and Saoirse demonstrates it with her this review of Ristorane Ivanna.

Slurl: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Froien/172/111/23

Theme: Italian, Bistro, Piazza

Dress: Any Moderate

Menu: Italian Continental Contemporary

Cost: none [donations are welcome]

Reservations: not needed

Service Style: self service from table

Near by Attractions: Windlight Galleries, Epic Chromatic Galleries, Eagle Club garden fishing area

Welcome to the second review in a series of fantastic restaurants in world. Restaurants in world are a wonderful place to sit and to visit with friend, go on a date or go on your own to explore a new place. This week’s restaurant is comfortable for all combinations.

Ristorante Ivanna is a splendidly decorated breath from the regions of Italy. The feeling you get strolling into the plaza area of this restaurant will take you mind from the confines of second life to a place in Italy know for its landscapes, traditions, history and artistic legacy. And you are directly in the middle of the Windlight Arts area of sl with a gallery of monthly fellows and a permanent exhibition gallery by noted sl artist Johnannes1977.

The day I visit here is quite quiet as the owner is busy with Art in Hats. Perfect time for me to nose about and see everything. The SIM is colorfully decorated with hues of the fall season as I walk around the plaza within the restaurant. I have attended functions in this open area and can easily attest to how lovely it works for various functions. There is a dance ball for those interested in dancing and a smattering of intimate tables off to the side. There is a thundering fireplace further from the entrance, nearer to the bar area, in the courtyard outside beckoning one to warm their hands or have a hot chocolate.

Why do I tell you so much about the ambience? To those who dine in sl, it is essential as the dining experience. We dine, we appreciate the artful compilation of oh so many delicious dishes. We are the people who look at food prepared artfully in world, and drool as our fingers dance across the keyboard to see each and every detail.

This restaurant’s set up is conducive to both intimate dining or parties. In the building to my right, there is a wonderful party table on the second floor. Seating for seven, yet room for many to gather round and toast and event, this room is delightful. The chairs are high back white texture and the table is elegantly composed with the starter items and champagne for a special event. As I look out of the window from this room, I notice it is beginning to become dark outside and the little lights around the courtyard are twinkling.

The other rooms have two seater tables, yet the beauty of this room seating system is that you may have a larger party and take up more tables within a room. Your own party room. All rooms have access to the courtyard, either by walking to it or by window. There are even a private rooms with tables for two in each. Yes there is more! Off to the side right, beyond the building, is a cul de sac of dainty romantic tables sequested away from the rest. Another area for a party group or romantic meal.

As to delicious food, there are choices here at the tables. Not all tables serve the same fare so review the menu before selecting a table. Don’t bypass on the larger table if it has what you are looking for as it is first come, first choose seating. At this table there is a sculpted salmon that will steal your heart. You can actually smell the Italian spices from your computer. The continental selections include a breakfast entree, a ham sandwich, chicken salad, hamburger and Toasted hotdog.

I find the ‘toasting’ option wonderful. A bottle of champagne will rez by your table in a nice proper ice bucket. Expanded liquor selection is at the bar area as other drinks at the table are punch and coffee. The desserts are wonderful as well. In the large party room there is a tart or torte that is mouth watering. Continental menu includes Moose and Petit Fours. Petit Fours is not four small surprises but a small confectionery, sometimes a savory appetizer.

The dining experience is dialed up a notch for romantic. Besides hand holding, there are some lovely cuddly animations. I can’t help it so I will ahead and be cliché; dial K-I-S-S for a good time. Nice chaste kiss at the table, on the table, perhaps a nice kiss from his lap. Not to be sexist, if you want, he may deliver a kiss to her from her lap. Partners come in all forms in our wonderful world.  To add to the ambience is the artwork on the walls. Simply put it is beautiful, on piece titled ‘Inspiration’ from the art corner collection it is indeed inspirational. There are tasteful decorations such a tapestry

Let’s not forget families! This is a wonderful place to bring the kids, no clean up with the self rez tables. Parents and their children can walk to the garden at the end of the street too where there is public fishing.  All animations are appropriate for child viewing so go ahead and have a snog parents!

What this restaurant affords for each diner is a special place to spend with someone else chatting, celebrating or romancing. In our world, finding a place to just be romantic and get to know that special someone [or could he/she be “the one”] is not that easy.

What does the owner want from her guests? To enjoy the surroundings and the food, nothing more. This is a free activity and awesome venue to have a meal or to have a dessert perhaps, while wandering through art near by. Always fresh, the visitor will see different artists in the Fellows gallery every month.

Artfully yours, Ciao, Seersha