Jean-Georges Vongerichten Returns To London Bringing Spice Market To Leicester Square
Jean-Georges Vongerichten
Internationally renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and CulinaryConcepts by Jean-Georges will premiere Spice Market London in the new W London – Leicester Square hotel. This South East Asian-inspired restaurant will be the sister restaurant of the iconic Spice Market in New York’s Meatpacking District and is set to be the most eagerly anticipated opening of 2011.
Three Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is the toast of the New York restaurant scene and has been credited with “inventing America’s answer to nouvelle cuisine.” Since Vong, Londoners have been clamouring for his return to the capital and this opening will reunite him with the original Vong team. Chef de Cuisine Tim Tolley was Head Chef at Vong for four years and General Manager Bertrand Pierson was at the helm from 2000-2003. They return to their former roles, supported by many other members of the Vong ‘dream team’.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to London and opening Spice Market in the heart of London, Leicester Square. London is such a diverse and vibrant city that I think it will be the perfect place for the European flagship Spice Market,” said Jean-Georges.
“London is one of Europe’s culinary capitals and we are extremely proud to be working with Jean-Georges Vongerichten to bring Spice Market to the UK,” said Kevin Rockey, General Manager, W London – Leicester Square. “Spice Market is a perfect fit for our loyal jet setting guests, who are always looking out for what’s new and what’s next.”
Inspired by the vibrant street life of South East Asia, Spice Market will enchant diners with delectable and adventurous flavours. Jean-Georges has created a menu featuring exotic curries and spices, which will be expertly executed by Tolley to create bold and tantalising dishes. Serving breakfast lunch and dinner, signature dishes will include: Spiced Chicken Samosa with Coriander Yogurt, Cod with Malaysian Chilli Sauce and Thai Basil and Ovaltine Kulfi, Caramelized Banana and Spiced Milk Chocolate.
Spice Market London will signal an important evolution in the Spice Market brand, offering a larger range of Asian foods which have not previously been served in New York. Spice Market’s speciality handcrafted cocktails will provide the perfect accompaniment to any meal with drinks including: Ginger Margarita, Lychee Raspberry Bellini and a Pineapple Mojito.
Spice Market’s striking interior will transport diners to an opulent paradise from the moment they enter the restaurant from Soho’s Wardour Street. Designed by Amsterdam-based team Concrete, the venue will offer a unique blend of the authentic old world feel of Spice Market NY and the contemporary architecture of the new W London, a ten-storey new build structure veiled in translucent glass which will change colour according to the time of day, the ambience of the area, or happenings in the hotel or the city.
Set over two floors, warming shades of gold, copper, chrome and wood will be used throughout Spice Market and the windows will be discreetly screened with gold mesh. Low slung black leather banquettes will encircle the rooms and diners will be seated at intimate booths. Other notable design features will include a stunning ‘birdcage’ gold spiral staircase and 600 custom-designed shimmering wok lamps, which will cover almost every part of the ceiling giving out an attractive low light.
The rear wall of Spice Market will house a 24 metre-long wall of spices containing all the colours, flavours and fragrances of the South East Asian dishes served at Spice Market. There will be 34 seats downstairs available for dining, a cocktail lounge with 32 seats and a sushi bar. Upstairs hosts 95 seats with an open kitchen and a private room accommodating up to 40 covers. The Reservations department will open on Friday 11th February for bookings from Monday 14th February onwards.
Spice Market will certainly spice up the London restaurant scene this spring.
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