MT. DORA'S Secret soul

Just off the beaten path stands a secret locals have known for years.    An unassuming walk-up style eatery in the Grandview Business District  has been enticing residents from all over town by dishing up soulful meals.

Ivory's, a small family-owned restaurant cooks up recipes that are made from scratch from family recipes, according to owner Maria Thomas.   The business was named for Thomas' grandfather.

The casual menu includes a wide range of breakfast items, plus lunch and dinners featuring fresh burgers, sandwiches and wings among other standards. The restaurant is also  known for its soul food specialities like fried catfish, rice & beans and collard greens.  

Quality and value-driven, Ivory's offers full breakfasts starting at $4.50 and a  cooked-to-order cheeseburger and crispy fries are $3.75.   The lemon pepper wings are the same price.  Larger meals like pork chops with rice and beans are $7.50.

Thomas built the business from the ground up eight years ago in Mount Dora's historic East Town area which is located a few blocks east of Donnelly Street.  The concept came from her mother's and aunt's successful restaurant in Fort Lauderdale that shares the same name and  recipes.   

Seating is limited to a couple of outdoor tables, so much of the business is take-out.  Call-ahead service is available.

Ivory's is located at 1325 Grandview Street.  It is open Thursday-Saturday from 9am-6pm and Sunday from 11am-4pm.  (352) 735-6797.  This is part one of a three-part series on Mount Dora' Grandview Business District.

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