Spice Market

In Short
Perched in a sexy position on the second floor of the glamorous W Hotel, Spice Market's dim, chocolate booths and Warhol-like video projection make even the square Midtowner feel cool. Hot, lemongrass towels great you upon seating and the towering Monastery bell chimes give hints of its original location in NY's Meatpacking district. Far from Chinese take-out, this street vendor concept is like gourmet Pan-Asian finger food. Vibrant chicken skewers arrive with a tangy lime dipping sauce, fresh herbs and bib lettuce wrap up the Vietnamese spring rolls but its vinegar-laden accompaniment makes you regret not ordering the salmon sashimi instead. Where the menu consistently shines is in simple, sharable items--the catfish entree is crispy-fried and pops with fresh basil and jalapenos, while the sticky coconut rice is steamed in a banana leaf and instantly-addictive. Green tea ice cream is super-cute yet clumsily packaged and not worth the hassle.