Tis Me Michelle

I attended a prix-fix pop-up hosted at Arden. Post on that to come. I’ve been wanting to try Arden itself, so this was a two-for-one experience. In the heart of Ivanhoe Village, Arden is tucked right next to The Yard.

Parking: This was a bit tricky. Not my favorite parking experience. If you are lucky, you can find street parking off Alden Rd. I did not have such luck. There is valet parking, but since I never have cash on hand, I didn’t take up that option. I finally saw that the apartment area had a little parking lot for the apartment and restaurants. It’s a mobile pay option, where you have to use the AirGarage app. Most places have Park Mobile. I’d never used AirGarage before, but I installed it and then completely forgot to pay. I didn’t get fined, so… I did luck out there. Take your shot if you like. It’s right next to the wine bar, so after a little hassle, it was extremely convenient.

Atmosphere: I was the first one in and was greeted by both the lovely women working that evening. They were super sweet. Since I was alone, I asked to take photos and videos of the space, and they let me have at it. The place is a cross between girly chic and an elevated industrial vibe. There are some cute, pink velvet booths, which is where I ultimately sat. Also, an area with leather couches, bar seating, or even some outdoor seating. Plenty of options depending on your party, time of year, and mood. Overall, it seems like a great spot for a nice happy hour or hangout with friends.

The Drinks: Along with my prix-fix menu with Asin, I ended up getting two drinks from Arden. I believe they usually have some bites as well, but I didn’t end up seeing or asking for that menu. I actually didn’t even realize they had a happy hour. I totally didn’t make it to that page before I ordered off their cocktail list. I was between the Cranberry Cardamom Spritz or the It’s Illegal for You to Ask Me That. I asked Eudith (I may have butchered her name), my lovely hostess, for her opinion. She mentioned the ladder is basically a spicy marg. We all know I love a marg, but I don’t like my drinks spicy. The spritz, on the other hand, she said, was one of the most popular items on their menu and is super light and easy to drink. And she was so right. I’m not an Aperol Spritz girly, I don’t think I like the aperol part, but a good spritz can be super refreshing, and this one definitely was. If you want a good summery drink, I’d definitely recommend this.

I may have jumped the gun on the second drink. Once I realized there was a happy hour menu, one of the drinks caught my eye, and I was curious. It was the Port in the Storm, a white port with elderflower, tonic water, and lime. One of my friends put me on to port a few years ago. So much so, we went to Portugal and to Porto, Portugal specifically, to have some port from the source. Now, whenever I see a port-based drink, I get excited. At most, people have a very expensive pour as part of their dessert menu. It’s surprisingly rare to find it part of a cocktail. I liked the concept of this one, but as I mentioned, port is usually a dessert wine, so it’s sweeter. I think if it were club soda instead of tonic, it would have been absolutely perfect. Another overall refreshing drink, great flavor combo, just on the sweet side. If you don’t mind that and you like port, I think this is a great choice. There are a few options between $8-9 on the happy hour menu, reasonably priced.

Overall: I don’t go out to Ivanhoe much, but there are a few great options out there. Aside from the parking nuisance, I would totally come back to Arden. Even their regular cocktails were all $12, so in comparison to a lot of other spots these days, the drinks are very reasonably priced. Being a wine bar, I’d be interested in trying their selection. Pricing there is a bit more, but on par with wine at any bar or restaurant. I’d also be interested in checking out their rotating food specials. I went on a Friday evening, given pretty early on in the evening, and there were a few parties that came in and out. A nice, relaxed atmosphere. I’d totally love having a nice girls’ night here.

Rating: 8.5/10

Address: 1420 Alden Rd, Orlando, FL 32803