I can’t believe six weeks have passed since we got home from the desert! Each visit, a few things stick with me for months afterwards (and then, of course, I begin planning for the next year…), and one of them is always dinner at Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn.
From the moment you roll into the circular drive at Ingleside Inn, you know that this is a special place. Oozing with vintage charm that dates back to the 1920’s, details like the privacy-walled drive and awning-covered entrance feel cozy and homey, and make it seem as if you’re entering the bouganvillia-covered estate of a friend.
Drop your keys with the valet, and step inside, where the folks at the front desk greet you by name and bowtie’d waiters whisk by with drinks and shrimp cocktail.
The menu is full of steakhouse-style favorites like raw oysters, beef Wellington, and French onion soup, but the stars here- aside from the dark and moody walls and crystal chandeliers- are the tableside courses. Steak Diane, bananas foster, and cherries jubilee (my always must-have) are prepared by a member of the staff at your elbow with a mobile cart, and no matter what’s done for you, you’re guaranteed to have the eyes of every guest in your direction!
For a date night, or a group of friends sharing a seafood tower, it’s the perfect spot for celebrating, though the patio for brunch can provide a little quiet elegance any time of day for any reason (even if just a craving for French toast).
We love dinner here, with live piano in the bar, and a pretty decent whiskey selection fueling the night. While there’s no real dress code, I suggest going dressier than normal. The restaurant and the Inn grounds have history with the likes of Liz Taylor and Clark Gable, so the dining room is definitely a place to see and be seen.
If you find yourself in the Valley, make a reservation, ask to be seated with Shelley (we LOVE her), and splurge on one of the table side menu items. Trust me.
** this post is not sponsored in any way. all thoughts and opinions are my own **
** photos from The Ingleside Inn’s Instagram **
