Spice Market
New York, NY 10014-1104
Phone: (212) 675-2322
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- 9th Avenue
- Directions:
- L; A, C, E at 14th St-8th Ave
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, 5:30pm-12am, Sat-Sun 12-4pm, 5:30pm-12am
Editorial Review for Spice Market – by Allison Austin
The Scene
With teak pagodas, low golden lighting and a dramatic staircase carved into the center of the room leading down to the equally stylish bar, Jean-Georges Vongerichten has redefined exotic dining. The crowd--a sexy, well-appointed mix of downtowners, moneyed execs and occasional celebrity--is worthy of a wandering eye. Expert servers pad through the various dining areas with ease and grace.
The Food
It's billed as "Asian street food," but since the menu is a creative collaboration between expert chefs Vongerichten and Gray Kunz, dishes show unmistakable finesse. Shaved tuna and small tapioca balls--a playful substitute for roe--float in an addictive, tart-smooth pool of coconut water and kaffir lime juice. Remarkably tender short ribs are served with a sweet-spicy topping of chilies and onion. Even the green curry is nicely balanced and lush. For dessert, choose the ephemeral-yet-potent Vietnamese coffee tart partnered with condensed milk ice cream.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe cocktail list includes a refreshing passion fruit and champagne cocktail called a "pattaya." Several wines by the glass are offered, including a crisp Clairette ($8) that pairs nicely with much of the menu.
Where to SitSmaller parties should sit at the bar, which offers entertaining views directly into the kitchen. Parties of six or more can reserve one of the exotic, subterranean alcoves.
User Reviews for Spice Market
09/19/2008 Posted by julbrown31
I had dinner with a friend during the week and the food was so so. I wasn't impressed with the menu or cuisine. I think this place is comprable to Spice which is MUCH cheaper. The food was extremely overpriced. I suggest other places in the city ie. Buddakan . This place is OVERRATED!!
Pros: great ambiance
Cons: food
07/28/2008 Posted by scc135
I went last friday with a party of 5, when I had a reservation of 4. I arrived early and grabbed a Jack and Coke. I also asked if I could switch it to 5, which they said no problem. After all of our party arrived, we sat down in the lower floor, and the place looked nice; the decor very southeast Asia inspired. For apps we shared the samosas, which were not indian style with lots of potatoes, but mostly chicken. It was good, but not what I wanted, as I was really expecting more starch. The yogurt sauce was good though. The mussels came in a wonderful broth and were just barely cooked, perfect. The Thai chicken wings however, weremy favorite, having a good deal of crunch and heat. The mango slices went very well with that. The crunchy squid salad was very crunchy fried calamari but the squid itself was not chewy at all. The salad greens themselves were average but the squid helped bring out more flavors. The main dishes we had were the red snapper which was nice and flaky, the curry duck, and the grilled chicken. The duck was delicious as was the curry over a nice plate of sticky rice. The chicken was very moist and juicy with lots of good flavor due to the heavy spices on top. We ordered a side of baby corn and broccoli as well and that was the most disappointing side dish. True, it was fresh but it didn't taste of anything special and the proportions were small considering the vegetables used. Most of us had a dessert as well, and I ordered the Ovaltine Kulfi. Man, I should have gotten a coffee with that. It's very thick and sweet. It was very good though. Overall, I'd say the chicken wings and the curry duck were my favorite. I think it's definitely worth a trip out.
Pros: Food was good and service was spot on
Cons: Veggie side dish was overpriced.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
