Finally had a chance to check out the much hyped Spice Route.
Did it deliver? Most definitely on a visual and visceral scale.
When you first approach the entrance, welcoming is not a word I would use. You are greeted by two large wooden double-doors flanked by torches and waterfalls. Foreboding is a more apt description.
Once inside though, your senses are treated to a sight unseen in Toronto. Spice Route is arguably the most dramatic looking restaurant, bistro, resto-lounge in the entire city.
It is truly thick and heavy in atmosphere. The artwork is stunning. The over-sized photographs set the tone and inform the diners that they have entered another universe.
The place is massive. The restaurant has so many tables, private rooms, lounge areas, and an outdoor patio area. It's anchored by the bar located in the centre of the space, featuring a huge waterfall.
We went early evening on a Saturday, and it wasn't that busy. Because there weren't a lot of people, it really made the place feel cavernous. However, since it was my first time there, I liked the fact that it wasn't so busy, as I could really take in all of the little design features and subtleties.
You can tell, a lot of money went into this place. I appreciate that a great deal of thought and effort went into the design layout. I give Spice Route the highest marks with respect to design and ambience.
Oh the food...
Well, we had plans for later on that evening, so we just had some quick coffee and dessert.
We shared the tempura banana with vanilla bean ice cream. This was amazing. The crisp texture of the tempura was a nice juxtaposition with the soft banana and ice cream.
We also shared the raspberry brownie with caramelized mandarins and tangerine cream. The presentation was great. It had a very nice flavour, but I do prefer my brownies a bit more soft and chewy.
When I saw appetizers and entrees being delivered to other tables, it literally made my mouth water. They smelled so good, and the presentation was outstanding. I regretted that we had elsewhere to go that evening. Otherwise, I would have liked to have stayed and sample the fares.
I will DEFINITELY go back here to try some real food. I'm getting hungry right now thinking about it.
BTW - the washrooms are very interesting. It may feel a bit awkward at first, but it's totally cool...
