Spice 28 is open at 13th and Chestnut
Jack Chen and Ben Wang are making a go of it on the edge of the 13th Street miracle.
You get Asian fusion from one chef, and Szechuan from another chef at Spice 28, which soft-opened last week at 1228 Chestnut St. (215-928-8880) It's just off the corner of 13th and Chestnut, basically on the doorstep of the 13th Street restaurant row. Liquor license is about a month out.
Owners are Jack Chen, who owns Sakura Mandarin at 11th and Race Streets in Chinatown, and first-time restaurateur Ben Wang. Post-postmodern design includes a white, underlit bar, a changing-light wall in the dining room, and a wooden arch that serves as a transition between bar and dining room.
Menu highlights include dandan noodles and dumplings in chili oil from the Szechuan side, and - here they go with fusion - a spicy tuna gyoza appetizer, featuring fried wontons encasing a spicy tuna mixture serves atop guacamole.
Lunch dishes are $9 and under. Dinner entrees are under $20.