Pune Extravaganza Part 2: Spice Island

Ok the grave mistake that I have made is not to write this post immediately after I had been to Spice Island. My sincere apologies to the readers as well as the restaurant. The taste still lingers in my mind, however, so I shall attempt a short overview and I hope to visit the restaurant sometime again and write in with further details.

So Spice Island finds its place in the lavish Le Meridien, Pune. As with most Starwood Hotels, the ambiance is the hallmark of this Chinese & Thai cuisine restaurant. Quite, pleasant lighting, a decent decor (although it does not give you too much of an oriental feeling) and comfortable seating - its a perfect setting for a romantic evening or special family celebration. There is a live band as well which also plays songs at your request.

The service, I'm sorry to say was a disappointment considering the standard that is expected of Le Meridien. Either we were unlucky to get a handful of trainees to attend to us or the hotel management has unfortunately overlooked this point.

The incompetent and slow service was compensated in part by the impressive quality of food served. We had decided to have drinks and snacks at home and, therefore, concentrated on the main course. Majority of dishes ordered were Chinese with a Thai Green Curry and rice added to the list.

I usually judge the authenticity of Thai food by the taste of Green Curry

and almost every decent joint I've been to till now has disappointed me. I should mention here that it was my Aunt who introduced me to Thai cuisine, having lived in Bangkok for a long time and I regard her as an expert in the same. More often than not, I compare all dishes to the taste of her home cooked Thai food.

So the Thai Green Curry DID turn out to be pretty good, vouched also by my Aunt whose Silver Jubilee Anniversary we happened to be celebrating that day. In Chinese, we ordered some simple Chicken noodles, a chicken and a fish side dish (apologies again for forgetting the names!). The taste was satisfactory and I can safely vouch for the general quality of other dishes as well. I have heard that the Crackling Spinach appetizer and the Pla Rad Prik (Fish) are popular dishes.

A definite try on a special occasion. The cost would come out to be about Rs. 1500 for 2 with drinks. The place is known to be packed on weekends so it is advisable to book a table in advance. I do hope the service was a one time glitch and your experience is pleasant and hassle free :)
As Samir Kochhar (of Set Max Extra Innings mis-fame) would say - enjoy food!

Spice Island
Le Méridien
Raja Bahadur Mill Rd, Sangamvadi
Pune
Ph: 020 26050505