Flambeau’s brings the spice, if not the heat TASTE of the

Flambeau's Live

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YOUNGSTOWN

Island music reverberates on the restaurant sound system, spicy aromas float from the kitchen and Caribbean accents fill the air. I close my eyes, and for a moment it’s easy to forget I am having lunch in Youngstown and not passing the afternoon in some exotic eatery on a tropical island.

“We are the only restaurant in this area to serve authentic Caribbean dishes,” said Josh Alphonse, part owner of Flambeau’s Caribbean restaurant on Market Street. “You’d probably have to drive to Cleveland to find the kind of food we are serving here.”

Alphonse and his business partner, Sandra Murphy, opened at their current location in October.

Murphy is from Trinidad and Alphonse is from Haiti.

Flambeau’s was previously located in Austintown, but in a daring move, Murphy and Alphonse decided to set up shop in a faded area of the South Side.

“Most people just drive through here on their way to Boardman,” Murphy said, “But we want to bring new life to this area, as well as Caribbean culture, live music, and of course, food.”

Ah yes, food! One glance at the Flambeau’s menu, and I knew I was in for something different. Ox Tail Stew, Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat and Rum Cake — can it get any more Caribbean than that?

“Some people are afraid to try the food because they fear it will be hot,” Alphonse said. “But there is a difference between spicy and hot. After you try it, you will find that out.”

One of the first dishes I sampled was the Ox Tail stew ($16) — with a bit of trepidation, I admit. But the meat actually tasted just like a tender cut of beef from a beef stew, and the broth was sweet and savory.

“We encourage people to try it, to experience something new,” Murphy said. “It is actually one of our bestsellers.”

Along with the Ox Tail Stew I sampled Flambeau’s garden salad ($4), which consists of generous portions of red peppers, crispy iceberg lettuce and one of the best house dressings I have ever tasted — creamy but with a zing.

“Everyone loves our dressing. They always want to know what we put it in, but I am not giving away the secret,” Murphy joked in her thick Caribbean accent.

Next I tasted the Curry Chicken ($10), which is pleasantly aromatic and mildly spicy, along with a side of rice and beans ($4). Both of these were served with a small side of Pikliz, a Haitian condiment made of cabbage, carrots, onions, and Scotch bonnet peppers—one of the hottest peppers in the world. I was slightly intimidated by the prospect of scorching my tongue, and had my glass of water ready, but the pikliz was surprisingly not as hot as I had imagined.

“It is for bringing out the flavors of the food,” Alphonse explained. “People think it’s going to be much hotter than it actually is.”

I also tasted a side called Callaloo ($4), which is a traditional Caribbean dish made from the root of the dasheen bush. It is comparable in taste and texture to steamed collard greens or spinach, and Murphy said it is popular among vegetarians and is highly nutritious.

Other sides include Mashed Sweet Potatoes (uniquely seasoned with nutmeg, cinnamon and orange juice), Baked Mac and Cheese, Sweet Potato Fries, Steamed Cabbage and Spicy Beans (all $4).

Additional entrees include Fried Fish ($12), Jerk Ribs and Chicken Combo ($18), Jerk Short Ribs ($15) and Curry Goat ($15).

For dessert I had the Rum Cake ($5), a decadent chocolate treat rife with bits of candied fruit — cherry, orange peel, raisins and currants.

“It is an old-time tradition to soak the fruits in rum for an entire year before using them in the cake,” Murphy said, adding that the fruits of Flambeau’s rum cake have not soaked nearly as long and thus are not so potent.

Flambeau’s also offers Carrot Cake, Chocolate Cake and Cheesecake for those who wish to forgo the alcoholic dessert.

Speaking of alcohol, Flambeau’s has a full bar, although Alphonse stresses, “We have a bar, but we are not a bar, we are a restaurant with a bar.”

Although the unique, delicious cuisine at Flambeau’s claims center stage, the atmosphere runs a close second.

A regular lineup of live entertainment graces the place, including monthly jazz bands and occasional poetry readings. The mood is festive and open, and Alphonse said groups are welcome to book the restaurant for their meetings, special events or dinner parties.

“People shy away from this area, but we want to change that,” he said.

The front of the restaurant has been remodeled with large windows that lend to the welcoming, celebratory feel.

Flambeau’s also offers curb side service and delivery within a 10- to 15-mile radius ($25 minimum per order for delivery).

About Food:30

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