Spice Avenue

Went for a little afternoon munch with some friends at this new place called Spice Avenue.  The address is 2661 Dundas St West, Mississauga, L5K 1R9.  Their phone number is 905-820-2661.

Now this is one of those, fusion Vietnamese/Thai places so when I walked in I wasn't really expecting much.  Surprise, surprise!  The authenticity of the food was quite good.

Assorted platter- didn't try it but it sure did smell good!
(Spring roll, fried wanton, and mango salad)

Had the shrimp rolls and a lime soda, done the Asian way.  Also tried some TomYumGung, which is a coconut-curry soup with shrimp that traditionally has chilies and a bit of lemon grass in it.  The one served wasn't entirely traditional since it contained figs and tomatoes.  The taste was fairly good although it was a little sweeter than it should be.  Excellent spice level, definitely something that spice-lovers should try.

The lime soda isn't actually a soda.  For all of you who have been to Asia, this lime soda is the one found in the older, traditionally places so it's definitely not Schweppes Lime soda.  It's lime squeezed into water mixed with a little sugar.  The trick is that they add a little more sugar to the bottom of the cup so as you drink it, you get the granules in as part of the experience.  It's cool and refreshing.  The sugar at the bottom kind of makes it feel like you're drinking a Margarita with a proper salt-rimmed glass.

                                       

Here are the pictures of the fresh shrimp rolls!  Excellent sauce, although I'm not entirely sure what's supposed to be in it.  Tamarind?  It's even sprinkled with a little peanut so, peanut warning for all of you who are allergic!  The shrimp roll is only missing a little chopped chili in the sauce and some basil leaves that should go either into the roll or come on the side so you can munch on it with some mint leaves.

My experience here was great despite the small things that stray a little from tradition.  Perhaps I'm too old fashioned.  It's also styled in a combination of Nouveau-Arte and Zen with the simple Japanese plates and simple cutlery.  There are two sections, the bar&lounge where you could also eat and the actual dining area that has a dark ambiance.  The bar&lounge is closer to the front door where the bar is and during the day the curtains are drawn creating a nice soothing effect.  It's nice for all of the young people of Toronto looking for a date-place, I would highly recommend it.