Spicy Salutations: The W London-Leicester Square Hotel Opens its Gates and a New Restaurant

Just when we thought the new the new W London-Leicester Square Hotel couldn't get any hipper, Michelin-starred celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten goes and opens his new restaurant, Spice Market, the same day the hotel opens its hip-to-be-square gates.

We've heard it's one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in London, with Vongerichten bringing back some of the fantastic flavors of his former Thai-French restaurant Vong, modeled after its sister location in New York of the same name.

Inspired by the "vibrant street life of South East Asia," the chef's menu is not for the faint of heart, highlighting spicy exotic curries echoing Vietnamese street markets or Thai food stalls.

Rumor has it you've got to try the Spiced Chicken Samosa with Coriander Yogurt or the Cod with Malaysian Chili Sauce and Thai Basil. Family-style portions are served up for communal feasting as well as a slew of signature cocktails including the Ginger Margarita, Lychee Raspberry Bellini and Pineapple Mojito.

Photo courtesy of foodepedia.co.uk