the Spice Table for lunch

My very small but very loyal fanbase has been clamoring for a fresh post on this here blog. A real one and not just a snippet of interoffice IMs or a video. How about a food review, kids?

I think back on some delicious noms I've had recently and the one sparkling culinary experience I can pick out from the lot is the Spice Table. Self-described as Southeast Asian cuisine inspired by Singapore and Vietnam. Yowza. It was good.

Located in Little Tokyo/Downtown L.A., next to Weiland, across the street from JANM and MOCA Geffen, the Spice Table occupies the spot the Cuban place used to be. The exterior looks about the same. The decor is minimal but very cute. Birdcage hanging lamps and fresh cut flowers on every table. The entire dining space is fragrant from the spices and seasonings. The lunch service is still new, but it's working out well. We went last Thursday. The line moved very quickly considering the size of the crowd, there was still seating so we took a table and sipped water. We looked at the wine list—looks pretty good, though pricey. Not in the mood for a prosecco or albarino with your meal? They have a pretty good assortment of bottled sodas and juices.

We both ordered the same meal exactly: Chicken sandwich and spicy sweet-potato chips.
The sandwich features lemongrass, pickled shallots, watercress, garlic mayo, scallions, peanut sauce. It was DELICIOUS. Day after day of boring cold sandwiches, this was an amazing sensory experience. Spicy, piquant, saucy, messy. The chips were way salty but the crispy texture were the perfect complement. Other sandwich choices include meatball, cold cut, curried eggplant, fried catfish. If it sounds too much, the salad sounds great—gem lettuce, shrimp, spicy candied walnuts. Something I want to try next time: curry fried chicken wings! Or the slaw instead of chips, which has a pepper lime dressing.

Considering the portion size and quality of the food, the price was fair, but simply too much for me to go very often. This is definitely a special treat. Sandwich and chips, with no beverage, worked out to just under $10. Dinner menu has a lot more to choose from. Check them out after your visit to MOCA for Art in the Streets. I took a peek and it looks interesting. Full visit and writeup coming soon. This is a really exciting time for J-Town--we are finally getting some big names and interesting foods coming to the neighborhood.

the Spice Table
114 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 620-1840
thespicetable.com