In yet another signal that the Chapel Hill social scene is superior to Duke's, Spice Street has become a favorite of social chairs for all things formal this spring. So chances are, you'll experience its amazing atmosphere and less-than-amazing food sometime soon.
Spice Street's suitability for such events is immediately evident. With its high ceilings, two levels, multiple bars and private party rooms, it's better prepared for crowds than Cameron. And with the exception of a couple of questionable dead branches, the decor is striking (in a good way) as well. A modern pond creates a perimeter for the small area that serves as a dance floor at parties and colorful art and big televisions alternately line the entry way.
But be warned: After being greeted by the impressive ambiance, the food is a disappointment. Even the appetizers are a tease, proving to be far superior to the main courses. The buttery pitas and hummus are to die for, and the calamari and tempura-style salmon wraps mislead you like a Duke tour guide bragging of our raging social scene.
Because what comes next isn't pretty. The pork chop is fatty and over-cooked, and the salmon is almost raw and quite flavorless. The chicken is just ugly. The scallops and mushrooms, however, serve as the one somewhat bright point (although they are even somewhat dim, seeing as how you only get five for about $20). And moreover, everything is a la carte. So, if you order a pork chop, all you get is a pork chop - no rice, no potatoes, no carrots.
But the drinks (minus the daquiris) are impressive, almost enough to make you forget the meal is not. Almost. Thus, formal advice is this: Eat dinner elsewhere, and when you arrive, order a margarita. Just don't put your purse on the downward sloping ledge of the pond while you dance (trust me on this one).
-Whitney Beckett
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