Spice Lounge and Tapas was bustling on my Saturday visit. In
the corner, Spanish music was strummed live on a guitar; although enjoyable the
volume could be turned down a pitch to allow easier conversations. After all, according
to Wikipedia, tapas are designed for chats as the focus becomes more about people
and shared foods rather than devouring a main on your own.
The smoked duck flatbread ($14), highly recommended by my
friend and waitress, incorporated the right balance of sweet and savoury. The sliced
grilled pears and drizzles of honey added sweetness while smoked duck breast
and double smoked cheddar were substantial enough to keep the dish from turning
into a dessert. As a suggestion, rather than using a hazelnut spread (which is
somewhat gritty), a chestnut puree may offer a smoother base and incorporate a
sweet earthiness that would work well amongst the other ingredients.
What’s not to like about deep fried balls of creamy rice?
Spice’s truffle mushroom croquettes ($12) were decent, the mushroom risotto mixed
with white truffle oil before being rolled in a panko coating. The inside was
slightly bland for my taste; more salt and cheese mixed into the rice may
augment the flavours more.
Spice’s PEI mussels ($11) were beautifully presented; as the
lid was removed we were presented with meticulously arranged mussels topped
with vibrant red pepper slivers. Despite the menu’s description of saffron
butter sauce, the liquid was a redder (perhaps on account of paprika) than the
famed golden hue. Nonetheless, it was delicious and I only wish there was only
more bread to soak it up.
The brick of chilli rubbed ribs ($16) was rather an ingenious
way to help keep the meat warm. Although
it lacked the barque of a BBQ smoked rib, these slow braised ones were moist
and well flavoured from the mix of Spanish spices and chipotle BBQ sauce.
To end, bunuelos ($8) or Mexican doughnuts, warm light balls
of deep fried battered with a light anise flavor. The uneven bits poking out of
the sphere became very crispy. Sweetened with cinnamon sugar and a diluted caramel
sauce, it provided a sweet ending to the meal without being heavy.
We chose to order a couple of dishes at a time to avoid the
delicious but dreaded table filled with food and not knowing where to start.
Spice presented them in an adequate succession, hot and fresh from the kitchen.
Despite being a busy night, they never rushed us, providing ample time between
reservations – there certainly was no two hour seating limit here. All in all,
a delightful neighbourhood spot for some conversations and small bites.
How To Find Them
Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 52 Lakeshore Road East
Address: 52 Lakeshore Road East
Website: http://www.spicelounge.ca/
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Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
Is That It? I Want More!
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