Some of you may not have heard of Spice 28 yet, and that’s because it’s a brand new restaurant located in the heart of Center City at 1228 Chestnut Street. As I mentioned in my last Dining Out Spotlight, I am highlighting some local restaurants in a highly-anticipated countdown to Philadelphia Restaurant Week. Due to its recent opening, Spice 28 will not be able to participate this year. Not to worry though because they will be offering a prix fixe special that week – and you can expect to see them on the list in the spring! Outside of Restaurant Week, the restaurant features weekday lunch specials that include boxed lunches and varying weekend specials.
I had been saving up my appetite all day for dinner plans with my friend at Spice 28. My night began with some delicious appetizers: indian pancake, mini wontons in chili oil, chicken lettuce wraps, and shrimp mango salad. We tried to get a full feel for the Asian fusion experience with different flavors. Although not much of the menu is Indian, the pancake and chicken curry appetizer was phenomenal. The shrimp mango salad was also a well balanced dish that is not overly sweet. Impressively, the spicy indicator on their menu is very accurate. We discovered that as we ordered the recommended cumin lamb and tangerine duck for entrees. At a 2 out 3 on the spicy scale, the lamb actually leaves some heat in your mouth. One of the best parts of the meal were the complementary pumpkin sticky cakes for dessert. What a wonderful surprise!
The service here is amazing. All the waitresses know great recommendations that fit your mood and spice level. At some point, one of the three owners will undoubtedly stop by to see how your meal is going. After their liquor license is approved in about two weeks, Spice 28 plans on featuring events with drink and food specials – which we cannot wait for! The location and ambiance makes it a perfect place to mix and mingle after work or on the weekends. You’ve got to check out this new hotspot, and don’t forget their sister restaurant Sakura on 10th and Arch Street. While Spice 28 is trendy and great for a girls’ night or date, Sakura is casual and would be a great place to take the family. I am a fan of both places so when you visit, tell them Philly PR Girl sent you!
If you know of a hot new restaurant or special dish found only in Philadelphia, let me know! Or think your restaurant should be featured? Contact Philly PR Girl for more details.
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