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| - Meh, is really the only word that comes to mind when I think of this place. I mean the only reason it's getting any sort of star rating is because I really enjoy the decor, well aside from the gigantic skulls and bones canvases on the walls.
It's got a great feel for after work drinks or just to hang out but if you are seriously considering coming here for food, think twice. Now I know I have a skewed view as I myself am of the Asian decent and have been exposed to many authentic and copycat restaurants, but let me tell you from my perspective this place is definitely not good.
I looked at everything from an outsiders perspective as I try to do in Asian cuisine, would someone who has never had Asian food like it? Will the decor/ambiance override the quality of food? etc... I have to say that the quality of the food is subpar. I mean it's obviously better than say...Manchu Wok but I think it ends there... The reason this place is still thriving? After work drinks and the suburban folk that come down and "try hard" to be with the downtown crowd, "Oooh let's go to Spice Route, that's where all the Ad execs go to let loose after work!"
One thing that really stands out in my mind are the bathrooms. They are massive and open and close with a large wooden sliding door, this makes me nervous on a few levels, these doors are notorious for not locking properly and if you're a little more sauced, you may not even get the door shut to lock it. The back wall is a huge glass window that looks out onto their garden, which I'm told is beautiful in the summer and it is like you are peeing in the great outdoors. Frankly, I'm just nervous if the gardener is doing some maintenance that he'll see more than he bargained for.
But again, this place is thriving because...location, location, location. It is surrounded by marketing and ad agencies that need places to go for after work drinks and/or client meetings. But on the weekends it's pure suburban wannabes. If you are going to try the food, I'd highly recommend that you don't and just go for the flare of peeing outdoors and the ambiance of the decor and more mature crowd.
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