Respectable whimsy and delicious cuisine at Ixia - Guest Column

So many things to celebrate, so little time. It was the day before I left for spring break, and I had just gotten into grad school. I, along with my rich aunt from D.C. and older sister, thought this would be the perfect opportunity to visit one of the most trendy eateries in Baltimore: Ixia.

My aunt has a penchant for the modern and avant-garde, especially when it comes to art and decorating, and let's just say the desire for good food and good drink runs in the family. I have long told her she would love the classy Charles Street caf??, complete with blue drapes and chairs on the walls. This upscale version of Paper Moon diner (they share the same owners) creates an aura of respectable whimsy, while Paper Moon sometimes comes across as a little disturbing.

The restaurant was named after a South African flower, according to owner Un Kim, because of its graceful style, and the atmosphere fits the name.

We began our night with a round of drinks, continued our night with a round of drinks and finally finished our night with a round of drinks (just kidding, kind of...). Ixia has an extensive martini list -- my drink of choice -- as well as an impressive wine selection. The bar, which faces an open lounge area and dance floor, is amply large enough to accommodate the weekend crowds at this hip post-theatre joint. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated with royal blue walls complete with large wall hangings, which are offset by the gleaming white tables.

Although the restaurant is hip central, we felt very wonderfully secluded at our table, and the service was excellent: prompt and friendly. The usually noisier bar is towards the back of the restaurant, leaving the diners a more tranquil little place to enjoy their meals.

Besides an extensive drink menu, Ixia offers food selections with a Eurasian flair, all elegantly and exotically prepared. Appetizer offerings, such as Panko Crusted Goat Cheese or Sweet Potato Gnocchi sound decadent, but fuse together harmonizing flavors into unforgettable dishes.

The entr??e menu offers a gourmet selection of chicken, beef and, my favorite, seafood dishes. Since seared ahi tuna steaks are probably one of my four favorite foods, I could not pass on the opportunity to have Scallion-Wild Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna, and my aunt declared her Grilled Filet Mignon one of the best she has ever had. For those non-meat and non-seafood lovers out there, Ixia offers a Fall Vegetable Lasagna and a number of gourmet salads.

The dessert choices are wonderfully sinful -- so wonderful that I am gaining five pounds just thinking about them. Pumpkin Bread Pudding and Coconut Pound Cake are absolutely delicious. And, in the grand tradition of Ixia, they offer a number of tantalizing after dinner drinks.

Ixia is a very classy restaurant, but be prepared to pay for that all that class. Entrees usually range anywhere between $15 and $30 per person, not to mention all the wonderful martinis, appetizers and desserts you simply must try. It is not hard to understand how my sister, aunt and I were able to rack up $170 bill without blinking an eye. But I think Ixia is well worth the cash: They offer amazing food and drink in a trendy and playful, yet sophisticated atmosphere.

My advice: Ixia is wonderful, but save it for a visit from the parents, or better yet, a celebratory dinner with a rich aunt. However, if you insist on enjoying Ixia's wonderful decadence on your own budget, then here's another tip: Save your cab or valet money and take the bus (I did!) or, better yet, the JHMI shuttle down there -- they both stop nearby.