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
07/01/2008 Posted by Robyn810
I just did not have a good experience at Spice Market. Sadly, I was extremely excited about this restaurant and decided to stop in for lunch with a friend. The host sat us at an incdredible table in the center by the open double doors. We sat there for about 10 minutes and no one gave us a menu. So we had to ask the host for our menus. Then we sat for another 20-25 minutes and not one waiter came up to us to take our order or to even say hello. We were very confused because all the tables around us were getting served except us. My friend had to get up and hunt down the host again to get us a waiter. After that we were a little frustrated...now to the food: I ordered the pad thai, and it was VERY acidic. I have had lots of padthai at several NY thai places, and im sad to say that this was the ultimate worst. I couldn't even eat it because it was so acidic. The coconut rice was mediocre, I like mine to be a little sweeter. Overrall, it was a disappointment, but the ambience and setting was beautiful. I would definitely go again but only for drinks.
Pros: Ambience, Setting
Cons: service and food
06/22/2008 Posted by userDi
My favorite restaurant- great food and atmosphere!!! I went there many times and every time service/music/ crowd were amazing
