Editor's note:  With this issue, we begin a new column of restaurant reviews by Karen Talbot. Karen and her whole family are well known in Bronxville for their culinary skills and their commitment to fine dining. Be assured, you can trust her knowledge of fine food, her discernment of good service and ambience, and her overall assessment of a restaurant. 

Feb. 12, 2014:  Spice Village serves Indian food that is as good as we have found in lower Westchester, with the added attractions of being right around the corner, easily accessible, and reasonably priced. Our dinner there this past Saturday evening was a very pleasant and rewarding experience.

Spice Village is a small 40-seat restaurant, attractively decorated with colorful walls, wood accents, and low lighting and with a nice bar that makes for a cozy and quiet setting. The host, Sreekumar, greeted us the moment we entered and immediately set up a table for us.

Pappadams were bought over as soon as we sat down, accompanied by three dipping sauces: mint, mango chutney, and onion relish. My appetizer of pepper shrimp bagari--grilled shrimp with onion, tomato, mild spice, and crusted black pepper--was very good, as was the tamarind eggplant--spiced marinated eggplant and cottage cheese grilled and topped with tamarind and tomato sauce.

Our main courses included tandoor chicken tikka--boneless chicken breast marinated in yogurt and grilled in a clay oven. This dish tends to be overcooked and dry at some Indian restaurants but was tender and moist at Spice Village.

The other main course was lamb sag--tender pieces of boneless lamb cooked with mild spices and fresh spinach--which was flavorful and delicious. We ordered onion kulcha pita bread, which was stuffed with onion, pepper, and cilantro; it was fresh and a great accompaniment to our main courses.

The service was prompt and efficient, with a nicely balanced menu and all dishes cooked to order. 

Spice Village is in the medium price range and is a great place for authentic Indian food. If you are looking for a nice place to take your Valentine, it is worth a visit.

The main courses are priced from $16.50 to $18.50, with a few going up to $22.95. A small detail--the discount coupons attached to the takeout menu were outdated, but I am sure the owner, Mansun Chembola, would honor them anyway. 

Spice Village (Indian):  8 Columbus Avenue, Tuckahoe, New York, 914-779-5400.

Pictured here:  Spice Village in Tuckahoe.

Photo by A. Warner