FLAME

It’s been a few years since I’ve dined in Flame, since then they have moved to their new premises just off Bedford street, those unfamiliar with the centre of Belfast will be happy to hear its less than a 2 minute walk so do not fret.

Here is a little backstory: Our restaurant opened its doors in 2013. The theme of the 140 seated restaurant was to create drama from a full visible kitchen whereby chefs with their culinary skills prepare and deliver their cuisine from a purpose-built wood burning fire grill (“Asador Grill”), delivering some of the finest meats from Ireland.... To compliment this our chefs are also seen working on Tandoori prepared dishes, char-cooked from a purpose built copper cylindrical tandoori oven.

Offering a mixture of “east meets west” cuisine, Flame restaurant prides itself with its highly skilled mixologists, preparing specialty beverages and combining selected spirits to create some of the finest cocktails the city has to offer. Our extensive range of wines, spirits, premium draught beers, and our renowned cocktails give our patrons an experience second to none. With light entertainment, our weekends are generally remarkably busy, and we recommend that bookings are made well in advance.

On entering I was immediately impressed, wherever pre conceptions I had concocted in my head were blown out of the water in terms of decor, design and ambiance. We were greeted with a welcome smile and while being seated I admired the fixtures and fittings, while clearly brand new they are styled to give the impression and grandeur of days gone by, tables and chairs with charm, walls filled with glorious paintings though the piece de resistance in full view by all was the hugh bar, illuminated with warm emerald lighting - WOW. You really need to see the place with your own eyes to appreciate it. Ok so let’s move on to the food, even though I previously examined the menu, making a decision was such a struggle, this wasn’t due to the fact of too much choice on the contrary it was due to the uniqueness of the options.

To start there are 7 options, I could have easily ordered the Pork and Chilli Wontons or Grilled Garlic Mushrooms though I settled on the Pea & Chorizo Aranchi, they were so delicious , perfect little balls of heaven, super crispy with a filling that was rich with just the right amount of spice and salt. My guest Emma ordered the Cured Salmon, this was like a work of abstract art. The dish was served with Potato, Pickled Summer Vegetables with Creme Fraiche and dots of Dill and Puree.

The main was another battle though having recently traveled to Portugal it was serendipity to see “Portuguese Marinated Chicken’ on the menu - I was simply called to order this and I have no regrets, the chicken was so tender, I loved the rustic pieces of onions and roasted veg through the sauce, this was served with a large portion of Braised rice.

I ate 90% of the meal, though I thought it best to leave a little room for dessert (I’m so glad I did) My guest ordered the BBQ Short Rib of Beef - omg this was delicious, I had to sneak a taste, the meat literally fell apart, i’m guessing it had been slow cooked or sueveed for many hours, ,this came with a large helping of Potato Wedges and Red Pepper and Sweetcorn Relish.

Other dishes of personal interest to me were the Rump of Lamb, Smoked Cooley and Cote De Boeuf - I guess several more trips are needed.

Dessert time, I have such a sweet tooth, I could live on chocolate and treats if it didn’t have such an impact on the waistline lol , when dining out I always have a rule that if Sticky Toffee Pudding is on the menu I must order it and it it’s not I am to behalf, well there was no behaving insight as the offering was the aforementioned with the ultimate twist - Sticky Date and Raisin Cake with Pecan toffee sauce and Irish Liqueur Ice Cream - this is a big statement but I must say I have NEVER had a nicer dessert , it had everything I personally love and want in abundance - Bravo to the Patissier/ Pastry Chef.

My guest completed her meal with the Apple and Candied Ginger Crumble, served with traditional ice cream.

Oh I must add that while I was designated driver and on the H20 my guest did enjoy a few beverages, a classic Malibu and lemonade and a beautiful Passionfruit Daiquiri, she assured me they were both delicious. When I next visit I will be making up for it and definitely sampling some of the amazing wines they offer.

Thank you kindly for the invite and your hospitality, we had a wonderful evening, thanks to the owner, management, chef and staff.

A typical 3 course from their Pre-Theatre Menu

Costs a wallet pleasing £27

Review by Daniel May

Flame Restaurant Ground Floor, The Ewart

3 Bedford Street, Belfast

T: 02890 33 2121 | flamerestaurant.co.uk

Shanty