New Ocala restaurant serves up Indian food with flare
Owner Mehul Dani and the staff of The Flame Indian Kitchen in southwest Ocala are ready to serve customers international favorites and foods baked in a tandoori clay oven.
The restaurant, which opened In September, has earned a five-star Yelp rating and guests are invited to “embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of India,” according to the eatery’s website.
Dr. Sheni Meghani and her husband, Cain Davis, of Ocala, are regular diners at the eatery.
“Flavors and aroma of the food at The Flame take me back to the fond memories of my childhood days growing up in India,” Meghani wrote in an email.
“My favorite food is Indian fast food (street food) called 'chaat,' and I always ask for samosa chaat and mango bhel chaat at The Flame; whereas my husband is a fan of their mixed grill and chicken biryani,” she wrote.
Meghani finds the staff “friendly and hospitable.”
Customer Jose Gonzalez of Ocala enjoys a selection from the eatery’s lamb dishes. “Very good; excellent,” he said.
Lamb Rogan Josh, a blend of flavored lamb with chili, onion and tomato gravy and lamb kabobs are some of the lamb offerings at The Flame Indian Kitchen.
An online menu lists dishes offered by head chef Dennis Thomas and crew. It includes Madras Curry, a dish made of ingredients including “onion tomato gravy and coconut milk” and more flavorings; Tandoori Chicken Half Full, or “yogurt marinated chicken in bone cooked in clay oven;” and Vindaloo, described as “Soaked Kashmiri chili garlic ginger and Indian spices cooked in onion tomato gravy with vinegar.”
Mulligatawny is on the menu and listed as a “purée of lentils and vegetables cooked in coconut milk.”
Jidnesh Naik is the restaurant’s baker and the eatery’s “bread basket” offerings include butter naan, garlic naan, tandoori roti and more.
Staff members include Ravi Kumar, food prep, who makes items like “lollipops,” or seasoned chicken wings; hostess Rita Vaz; and waiter Romauldo Domingos.
Sonya Nasser visited the restaurant recently with guests Raj Rudra and Puja Talati. Nasser said the “selection is good (and) the food is fresh.”
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The Flame Indian Kitchen is located at 3710 SW College Road, adjacent to the BP Shop gas station (Unit 200) just east of Interstate 75.
Restaurant hours are Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Phone (352) 421-5679.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Traditional favorites and more fill menu at new Indian restaurant
