Thalia Spice: The Kama Sutra of Asian Fusion Food

Once you’ve Eaten Everything on the Menu… You’ll Want to do it Again and Again, and Again!

Thalia Spice is an Asian Fusion restaurant located in the River West area of Chicago. Formerly a small warehouse, the building has been completely reconfigured and remodeled. It provides a quaint (if not somewhat close) and trendy blend of contemporary and Asian traditional décor and intimate seating for about 100 guests. The owner, Vince Tan, will meet you at the door and regale your with stories and detailed descriptions of his food … and boy, does he know his food.

We opted to let the owner choose a multi-course meal for us as we were not familiar with his unique offerings. We started with perfectly Pan Seared Scallops and a Mango Salsa and an order of Sake Baby Back ribs that were so perfect they’d make a Texan beg for more. The appetizers were followed by an explosion of flavor and seafood in the Volcano Soup. The soup boats a flavorful broth of mushrooms, tomatoes and onions seasoned with lemon grass, cilantro, galangal, and chili in a base of coconut milk. With scallops, shrimp, and calamari, in every bite, this alone would be a meal for some.

Following these starters, Mr. Tan kept the small orders coming, which I and my wife split. Because I am already salivating recalling our dining experience, I’ll skip to our favorite elements of the meal, the Fat Boss sushi roll and the Chef’s Special that proved to be the inspiration for the title, Kama Sutra. The Fat Boss sushi roll is the comprised of scallop, ebi, avocado, scallion, masago, spicy mayo, and spicy sauce. Don’t let the words “spicy” scare you though.  This is not a “pop your eyeballs” spicy. Fat Boss is a beautiful blend of elements with just a hint of spice that’s too subtle to even refer to as heat.

Finally, the Kama Sutra ... This is quite simply the perfect marriage of seafood and spices so good you will want to eat it again, and again. The menu describes it this way, “This orgasmic sushi fusion dish is uniquely 'fire' cooked with a tantalizing spicy sauce. This seductive sushi contains Ebi, Mussel, Kani Kama and Scallop, served with a spoonful of sushi rice with a touch of lime on top a green mussel shell.” No matter how you describe it, you must order this when you visit Thalia Spice.

All-in-all, Thalia Spice, offers a pleasant dining experience, friendly staff, and above all, outstanding food.  I give Thalia five Curmudgeons of a possible five! This is a very popular restaurant with limited seating so make sure to call ahead for reservations.

Thalia Spice--Asian Fusion

833 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago

312-226-6020