Le Gourmet Hot & Spicy

We had made a reservation, but it was hardly necessary, as the restaurant was hardly full. Half the top floor had been sectioned off and the entire lower level was completely closed. Staff numbers looked more than adequate as one casually shined glasses and another lingered by the doorway to the kitchen. The remaining staff appeared to efficiently wander aimlessly when not delivering orders, ignoring the elephant in the room that was our party. They had obviously been aware of our presence as the four of us stood in the doorway, but failed to properly acknowledge us until a telephone continued to ring in our vicinity. This prompted an indecisive young woman to attend the telephone, only to stop short of actually doing so and show us to a table instead. The ringing eventually subsided unanswered.

The creative director for Hot & Spicy did a terrific job, if the goal was mimicking the Night at the Roxbury set in vivid detail. Cloth in various shades of purple adorn tables and everything else, with dark wood making up the solid textiles. Early 90’s RnB hung in the air to complete the ambiance. An industrial-sized fan was situated by the bar, pointed in my general direction, but completely failing in improving upon the lack of adequate air conditioning.
Le Gourmet Hot & Spicy…