Spice I Am — Restaurant in Alameda

Spice I Am (not to be confused with Will.I.Am) is tucked in between Tucker's ice cream and a local video store. Modern, no frills decor with cool large minimalist pieces on the walls.

Lunch service was swift and efficient, with affordable specials. I went for their marinated short ribs, which included a mound of brown rice, steamed vegetables (cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli), and a delicious salad with ginger dressing to start off, all for 9 bucks! When I asked for it to be spicy, my server instead offered to bring the spice mini-cart. While the spice mini-cart trifecta indeed packed some heat (crushed red pepper, chili sauce, pickled jalapenos), I have to say that pickled jalapeños are no substitute for pickled thai chilies. Or fresh thai chilies. Or even fresh jalapeños for that matter.

The short ribs were deliciously spiced and grilled. A good amount of fat off the bone, but that's what one would expect from short ribs. As I was making my way through the plate (good portion), I found that the rice wasn't really adding to the meal. Upon paying and leaving, I asked the server about the option of ordering my lunch special without any rice, and what impact it would have in terms of portion. She responded that they would be happy to offer more steamed vegetables, which would actually be pretty cool.

This is the best second best Thai food I had in Alameda, after Toomie's Thai. Four stars very well earned, and I will certainly take the 3-minute walk from work (Hearing Zone) to...

I had the green curry from their standard menu and the fried mushrooms from their specials menu. The curry had a delightful flavor. Eggplant pieces were especially tender. Chicken was not tough or chewy as is sometimes the case in curries. The flavor was perfect. The fried mushrooms were some of the best I have ever had. They were panko battered, which gave them a fun and balanced texture. ~$30 with tip for one person. Two minor disappointments: I got rice noodles, which were a solid mass and could not be teased apart. I suppose this means they were overcooked or old or both. And there was a scoop of crushed red pepper in the bottom of the quart container rather than any real...

It's one of my favorite restaurants, and one of my favorite Thai restaurants. I can't really tell you much about it though because every time I go I get the same Tom Ka Ki (Ka or ki being chicken) (spelling?) soup. It's so good and I tell myself I'm going to order something different but I always end up getting that. But I've taken a date here, my mom here, and would recommend it highly, except for the parking! But about halfway down the block, there is a parking lot that is usually open although sometimes full. It satisfies my craving for Tom Kha Kai every time. Ample portions, the Tom Kha Ki large serves both my mom and I multiple servings with usually some to a...