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| - Okay, I almost (ALMOST) want to upgrade this to a 4-star review because there are a couple things I really love here:
-Rangoon Night Market Noodles. If you like unapologetically greasy noodles with a good helping of pork and fried garlic, (and honestly, if you don't...what's wrong with you?!) then this is all you.
-Mango Pork. Doesn't really taste like mango, but it's super tender, hearty deliciousness.
-Ol Gaht. This dip made of shrimp paste and eggplant is strangely awesome.
-Popiah. Okay, I love me some fresh spring rolls, and although this isn't my preferred Goi Cuon style roll, it's still really good.
But unfortunately, there are also some really awful things here:
-Pad Thai. Mushy noodles with a way-too-heavy sauce and an unappetizing bright orange color. Doesn't taste like any Pad Thai I've ever had...not a good thing.
-Green Curry. So bland. How is it possible to make curry this bland?
-Penang Curry. Way too sweet, like a sugary gravy. Doesn't have that nice nutty flavor that I expect from this dish.
Other things from the menu have been hit or miss for me, but my main theory when it comes to Spice Island--stay away from the Thai food! We have plenty of Thai restaurants that know how to make decent Thai noodles and curries. Spice Island performs more favorably in the other areas of Southeast Asian cuisine. Honestly, the menu is almost too large for them to execute everything well. That's why I'm not in love with the food here...it's just hard to know what's good and what's bad.
Beer and wine only, but a small selection on either side. I kinda would like this place better if it were BYOB. Tea list is awesome though, try the Iron Goddess of Mercy Oolong!
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