2010 Aug 31 Service, Style and a Relative Bargain: Flamme Opens in The Village
There are no shortages of steakhouses in Beijing, but Flamme offers service and style for a relative bargain. The name suggests a grilled meat fiesta, but in actuality, it offers a range of dishes – even my vegetarian companion managed to leave happily stuffed.
Starters include a refreshing roasted beet salad, sliced up tableside and tossed with fennel and oranges (RMB 38). According to the menu, the bruschetta comes topped with wild mushrooms and Himalayan black truffles – for RMB 38, one would not expect such ingredients and indeed will not receive them. But the generous portion of button mushrooms sautéed with a liberal dose of truffle oil was enjoyable nonetheless.
The steak and sides are solid, and I hope Flamme maintains the quality at this price. A petite Australian tenderloin (RMB 108) was done to my exact specifications and served with a tart watercress and cherry tomato salad. There is a choice of sauce, but alas, the demi-glace was merely a thin (but flavorful) au jus, not the thick glossy nectar I expected. A dozen sides (RMB 18) are listed, including addictive matchstick fries and gingered baby carrots. The vegetable lasagna was pasta-less, but layers of zucchini and goat cheese made it a savory non-meat option.
Despite a menu promising more than what is plated, Flamme is worth a try – the service was excellent, and the complimentary drink and dessert platter an excellent surprise. The brioche bread pudding, in particular, was a treat. I’m not sure how long these grand-opening freebies will last, though, so hurry.
Also try: Union Bar & Grille, Outback Steakhouse
Flamme International Grill
Daily 11am-midnight. S4-33, Sanlitun Village, 19 Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang District (6417 8608)
朝阳区三里屯北路19号三里屯Village南区4号楼3层S4-33
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