By DAVID MATTESON
With a contemporary downtown setting and a deliciously, varied menu, Spice Steakhouse serves as the perfect atmosphere for a Valentine’s date.
Normally Hi-Lights does not suggest such an upscale, expensive restaurant, but in the event that one needs a special place for a Valentine’s Day date, Spice is the way to go. Significant others will swoon over the posh location on Central Avenue as well as the chance to eat on the outside porch that overlooks Lake Eola. This lake view provides the perfect romantic setting.
The indoor seating also provides a sensual ambiance. Soft candlelight creates a glow that surrounds one’s significant other, while gorgeous details like mahogany wood seating and tables and graceful music carry on the romantic theme.
In addition to the beautiful location and décor, the food is fantastic. Starting the meal with an appetizer is certainly recommended. The varied list ranges from bacon wrapped shrimp ($15) to Italian bruschetta ($10). A highlight of the starter list is the Fire Quesadilla ($10). The banana peppers, onions and sharp cheddar cheese combined with chicken have a spicy flavor. There are four large slices in a serving which is perfect to share between two.
If one is looking for a less spicy item on the appetizer menu, try the calamari ($10). It is lightly breaded and served with a tangy cilantro dip. The calamari alone is artfully prepared and is absolutely delicious, only made better by the citrus taste from the dip. Once again, this appetizer is ideal to split between two.
Following the appetizer, command on to Spice’s delectable entrées. The steak is definitely the best from this high-end restaurant. If you are interested in a juicy steak for an appropriate price, try the 16-ounce New York Strip Steak ($28). The tender meat is cooked to one’s preference and grilled masterfully. The steak is flavorful and served with mixed greens and fried potatoes. The meal is certain to fill and satisfy any steak lover.
For those who do not prefer steak, Spice has a variety of other entrees, including the delicious Caprese Chicken Pasta ($16). It has a sweet taste with a rich tomato based sauce blended with basil. It is served over fettuccini and topped with fresh mozzarella and grilled chicken. The chicken was not the best part of this dish, as it was mistakenly over grilled making it dry. Yet the sweet pasta and juicy tomatoes made up for the dry
taste. Overall, it is an excellent alternative to a steak dish.
If on a date one might choose to split a delicious dessert after dinner. However, following the large portions of the entrees one might be too full to enjoy Spice’s sweet after dinner specials, but if one does chooses to share a dessert, go with the black tie mousse ($6). This sweet chocolate mousse is layered between dark chocolate cake. The cake is too rich for some, but for true chocolate lovers, it is a dream.
Spice combines ornate, delicious food with modern style and atmosphere. The lakeside viewing provides the perfect place for a Valentine’s Day date this weekend. One will be sure to impress as he or she “spices” things up this holiday.