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| - Dear reader, I didn't even know this neighborhood existed. As a dedicated west sider, there's not much I visit between Tremont (my well documented vice of choice) and my neighborhood haunts. Sweet Moses is where this neighborhood ended for me, until I was dragged into Spice by those claiming it to be the next big Cleveland eatery.
I'm a serious bonehead, sometimes.
Spice Kitchen is magnificent. It's an enormous space, featuring lots of well spaced and private tables in 3 separate eating areas. The bar area is also of good size, and boasts lots of carefully crafted fancy cocktails and craft beer selections.
The food here rotates regularly to feature locally sourced produce and offerings, and reflects a remarkably whimsical approach from its chef. They produce food both from the local area (local farmers, WSM) and literally, from the local area. (The neighborhood) The menu is short, but doesn't misfire on any of its offerings. My group tasted the walleye, the ribeye, and the pumpkin risotto-eye. The steak was DECADENT in its red wine reduction, featuring small bits of crispy pork and a richness which paired perfectly with the hash/fennel salad it plated with. The walleye was buttery and flaky, truly standing out in the cauliflower puree and exploding with flavor. The risotto, to all intents and purposes, was perfectly pumpkiny. (Note: I don't typically do squash/pumpkin/etc dishes, so I don't want to pretend to know how it fared to typical dishes of the sort)
Service was exceptional and the decor lent itself to more of a quiet and intimate romantic vibe. Date nighters will instantly get their juices flowing. (Which sounds disturbing, come to think of it) It's the kind of spot that lends well to visiting regularly and trying the seasonal offerings as they come.
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