by Tone S. on Good music. Very crowded. Don't know why but I thought the place was nicer. All in all, it was a good time but it didn't blow my mind. Might be good for the last stop rather than the first.
by Lorina Wilken on Vaguely stylish, Jean Georges' Atlanta foray, Spice Market, produces an internal conflict in the soul of the gourmand: part of you claims that you are downing vino and nosh in a new wing of the famous chef's global empire of cuisine, while the other half claims with equal vigor that there is something slightly askew. The architecture bespeaks a retrofit, as the long strip of carpet between the bar and bays of tables severs the connected, communal feel that the best places all have. But they spent some dollars rigging the staggeringly tall ceilings with kinds of hanging art--mostly ropes and steel, and that lends an air of high craft to the environment. Still, the space lacks unity and seems slightly at odds with its sharp, linear structures. For their part, the waiters wear long earth-colored tunics and offer warmly wrapped hand-towels before the meal, although I'd have found more use for one after dinner. Did they assume I came in with mucky fingers? Au contraire! We were seated in a veritable wind tunnel, although the source of the arctic breeze was hidden in the darkening stratosphere of the ceiling. We contemplated a table switch, but were told that booths only sat three (and we were four), and that the level of seats up and to our right were closed for the evening, although later, a preposterous fortysomething dj sauntered in wearing a track suit and a Blackberry and was quickly seated in the denied area. We were later given pillows to warm us. Our waiter appeared--thin, tall, South Asian, and gathered a drink order. When he reappeared he was thin, shorter, and African-American. We were quickly told, only on asking, that this new waiter would be with us the remainder of our stay. The whereabouts of our original attendee seemed a mystery best left unsolved. (We never did see him again.) The meal was good, I must confess, although not the earth-shattering experience the name "Jean Georges" instantly conjures. The chili-smeared beef skewers and black pepper shrimp with pineapple were both delicious, as was my initial glass of tequila (Casa Noble? Los Azulejos? Something good and exotic like that.). The cod with Malaysian chili sauce was plump and perfect, while the onion and chili flavored short ribs were a tasty and resembled a recent brisket I had. The coconut sorbet provided a delicious finale. All in all, a very good meal, although the ambiance left a little to be desired, if not expected. We went on a serene Sunday, and in the placid early evening the big, high, and spectral spaces seem almost monstrous in their emptiness. One clamors for a little intimacy.
by James H. on What a total tourist spot. We had free passes from our hotel concierge, which should have been our first mistake. Supposed to get you in without waiting with a free drink, but didn't work and ended up having to pay the price. I didn't mind, since we were all on vacation and rolling with a bad ratio, but lord do I wish I got my money back. I've heard many good things, about the club from years back, and I'm sure it was a good spot back then, but save your time and go somewhere else if you enjoy good music, because I'm thoroughly convinced that Miami DJs do not know how to spin good hip hop. I will honestly say that it was one of the worst clubbing experiences in my 10 years of going out all over the country purely cause of the music. If you're absolutely stuck at this spot, get drunk... really drunk.
