Flame restaurant brings Jamaican food with flair to Somersworth
SOMERSWORTH — Flame, the new Jamaican restaurant in the Hilltop City, is bringing a bit of the island life with its atmosphere and cuisine. Area residents are welcoming the experience.
Brothers Christopher and Conrad Nicely, and chef Ramon Hinds are serving flavors of the Caribbean while sharing a love for their country and a passion for the food. Conrad Nicely is the owner, and his brother Christopher is the manager, and, he and Hinds are both chefs.
Flame Jamaican Cuisine is located at 44 Market St. Its menu offerings include curry goat, brown stew oxtail, jerk chicken or pork, Jamaican-style chicken noodle sour, rasta pasta, fried plantains, and jerk seasoned baked haddock. For the less adventurous there are some more American offerings like burgers, grilled salmon and fried chicken.
"This is my new favorite place," said Jim Kearns of Rochester. "I tried and loved the oxtail stew. The wings are great and even the vegetables have a different flair."
Kearns was there with a friend, Kathleen LaBranche, her first visit.
"I like spicy food, but I was a little hesitant," she said. "This was great. The food is so flavorful. I really want to come back again."
"This is the third time we have been here this past week," said Craig Tourtelotte, of South Berwick, Maine. He and his wife, Julite Gordon, say they are already dedicated customers.
"We love the atmosphere, the people and especially the food," said Tourtelotte. "Everyone is friendly, and there is good food and good music."
Christopher Nicely greets his guests as they come in the door. He already knows many by name.
"I like to be involved," he said. "I do not stay in the kitchen. I come and speak to my guests. I want to know how they like our food. I want to know they are having a good time."
How Flame came to Somersworth
This is the first restaurant for the brothers, who are both experienced chefs.
"We started looking for places, but couldn't find anything suitable; it was difficult," said Christopher. "We were told of this place, and it fit our needs and seems like a good choice."
Flame opened Dec. 23.
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As a new restaurant, the Nicelys said business is good.
"We have good days, slow days and in between," said Christopher. "But we are gaining. The community has been very supportive of us and have made us feel very welcome."
Christopher said he feels good about the future of Flame.
"I believe if you have positive thoughts, positive things will happen," he said "If you have negative thoughts, you attract the negative. I have no doubts, and I choose to bring positive thoughts."
When is Flame restaurant open in Somersworth?
Flame is open seven days a week, Sunday-Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Thursday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. There is a dedicated outdoor area the brothers say will be ready for spring weather.
"Mondays are half-price wings day," said Christopher.
Chef Ramon Hinds also has years of experience, having worked for Courtyard Marriot locations and several years on a cruise ship.
"Try our food and you will be back," Nicely said. "I am enjoying every day here."
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Flame restaurant serves Jamaican food in Somersworth NH
