Spice Kitchen & Bar

Get ye to Spice!

We have not been this excited about the prospect of writing a blog posting in a long time. Fingers touched the keyboard about an hour after the tab was paid. We were THAT energized.

If you have read other posts here, you know we’ve liked each of the past four occupants of this corner space on Detroit Road. Unfortunately, they all came and went in moments. It might be easy to say that the storefront is cursed, but the truth is likely something closer to their lack customer appeal (beyond Jeff and Michele.) While we liked the places, other clearly did not. None of which maters now. Now, the space is occupied by a fabulous alternative. Shortly after ordering, the chef stopped by our table and thanked us for giving the place a try. He explained that he has been running a successful catering business for a number of years and has long been involved in Cleveland food in many different capacities. He was highly optimistic about its future and glad to be a part of the neighborhood. His casual interaction and love for what he does made us excited about the prospects of the coming food.

The start was indicative of what was to come. Michele almost always has tea with her meal. Spice offers custom blended teas from local herbalist, T by Sarah. She truly enjoyed it. When Michele’s salad arrived it was a joy. The Boston Bibb lettuce was augmented with thin sliced green apples, pickled onions, croutons and tangy champagne vinaigrette. Michele is allergic to bleu cheese and our more than accommodating waiter graciously suggested that feta could be an option. He checked with the kitchen and it was substituted. She enjoyed it completely. Jeff tried the Soup du Jour, a spicy peanut with celery, lemongrass, sesame and peppers. It was creamy, beautiful curry colored with just the right amount of spunk. He scrapped the bowl.

After a perfect beginning, we were really anxious to taste our entrees and they did not disappoint. Michele LOVES walleye and Spice’s special was wonderful. Tender, flavorful, expertly browned on the outside and moist on the inside. This version was set onto a bed of ramp and spinach puree with trumpet mushrooms and fingerling potatoes. A tart Beurre Blanc circled the green bed on the dish for another stunning presentation. Beautiful AND tasty! Jeff ordered the menu’s Pork Loin with black-eyed peas, spinach and a delightful mustard jus. The cut was butter soft and immensely flavorful. Upon scooping up the last drop of jus and peas, Jeff commented to Michele that he could easily eat a second!

Alas, that was not to happen. Instead we opted for a Chai Pot du Crème and it was a good choice. Rich, creamy and small, everything you want in a dessert at the end of a perfect meal at a perfect new restaurant that we hope lasts for a LONG time. The reason is purely selfish. The compact menu includes many other seductive options that need to be sampled. We want to eat hear again and often. You should too!

http://www.spicekitchenandbar.com/
5800 Detroit Avenue Cleveland, OH 44102 216-961-9637