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The Appetizer Combo / Inside Cafe Spice

Café Spice has been hanging around Old City for a while now, but unless you’ve visited recently, you haven’t experienced its newest incarnation. The Indian restaurant has a new owner/executive chef as of January, and a new menu introduced at the end of February.

Owner/chef Paul Sankaralingam grew up and studied cooking in India, then moved to Philly and started out as a bus boy at Café Spice before working his way up to the helm. He’s peppered the new menu with personal favorites, as well as re-tooled the restaurant’s sleek interior. With its black marble tables, upholstered booths, and large colorful lanterns hanging from the ceiling, the place manages to feel classy, exciting, and laid-back all at the same time.

The full bar is well-stocked, making it ideal for a visit when you’re not too hungry, or to kick off your meal. They have local beers on tap alongside the standards, and a great list of cocktails. Try the sweet and aromatic Lychee Peach Martini, which comes with a whole succulent lychee floating in the glass. While we’re on the topic of drinks, the non-alcoholic Mango Lassi is heaven in a glass – but watch out, it’s super filling!

Aam Paneer Tikka and The Tandoori Machi @ Cafe Spice

The menu has a new appetizer combo option: choose any four apps to share for $22. This is a fabulous way to get a taste of a whole bunch of things if, like me, you have a hard time choosing. Or make it into your main dish! Though the presentation makes it almost too beautiful to eat, you’ll be glad when you do. My favorite appetizer was the Aam Paneer Tikka (Tandoor-cooked cubes of homemade cheese stuffed with mango, mint, fennel, and raisin). It tastes fresh, soothing and smooth, while feeling light and healthy to boot. The Saloni Machi, cubes of marinated salmon, is also a great choice.

There are tons of main courses to satisfy meat eaters, vegetarians, and seafood lovers. The vegan-friendly Malai Kofta (vegetable dumplings cooked in cashew almond gravy) is sweet, creamy, and had me licking my spoon. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the catch of the day – the Tandoori Machi is a whole fresh fish, new to the menu and fit for a king. Even if you can’t eat another bite (which is likely), force yourself to get the divine Kulfi for dessert. The sweetened reduced-milk cardamom flavored homemade Indian ice cream is dense, nutty, and so rich that the small portion seems massive.

Café Spice also has a new take-out menu, catering menu, and is a great space for private parties with DJ’s. Next time you’re craving Indian food you know where to go. Oh – and they’re running a special for the month of March: 3 courses for $25. That’s too good to pass up.

Café Spice
35 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-6273
Web: www.cafespicephilly.net
Twitter: @CafeSpicePhilly