In an ever-changing restaurant spot in the long Studio City strip mall at Ventura and Tujunga comes Spice Season—and let’s hope this one sticks. It’s the sister restaurant to Sherman Oaks’ VeStation (vegan), although they differ: Spice Season is not vegan and serves meat, seafood and chicken. Both, however, feature a well-priced Asian fusion menu that blends a global mix of herbs and spices with the use of sustainable products, using organic whenever possible.

The casual, small space is creatively and sleekly designed with rustic wood tables, mismatched chairs and benches, and use of earthy fabrics and metal. The food is beautifully presented with a modern flair, yet with fair-sized portions. There is no alcohol, but they do offer unique tea and juice choices, and they are planning to launch a "mocktail" menu very soon by mixing kombucha with juices. In the meantime, check out the cinnamon lemonade and the basil pomegranate drinks.

Spice Season has only been open a few weeks, and I visited on day two during the soft open. Take a peek at just a few of the offerings:

Carmelized eggs are lightly battered and dressed with a sweet sauce—a definite "must-try."

The fusion crostino with chicken, avocado paste and mint is a very tasty Asian twist on crostini.

Seasoned beef stew with carrots and potatoes in a sweet-and-spicy curry sauce with a hint of cinnamon—a perfect autumn dish.

The pad thai is fairly traditional—textured with a mix of sweet and spicy.

The roasted chicken is a simple dish similar to a Thai barbecue version.

Spice Season, 11402 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818-766-8686. Open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.