” A Latin/Mediterranean secret to be shared”

Highly Recommended **** We have all heard the saying, “never judge a book by its cover”! Many of us kind of laughed it off, but believe it or not, in my years of dining out, I have found many a special restaurant in areas where I would never dare to imagine. This has been one of the reasons that I share with my readers and listeners. Often, we drive by a “grand Opening “sign or a NOW OPEN banner and just keep driving! Mistake! You need to explore a little and do your homework.

Nestled in a strip center, behind a strip center in Niles, is something new, and something very special ( this is a phrase used by my good friend in Bridgeport at Polo Cafe). It is called Phoenix Flame and is a unique little cafe that features a fusion of flavors from the Mediterranean and Latin America- let me tell you, they work!When you pull into the parking lot at 8010 N. Waukegan Road ( NW Corner of Oakton and Waukegan) in Niles, you will see the sign- Phoenix Flame. The restaurant is small inside ( a few tables) but has a nice outside seating area. We met Frank there and to be honest, the ladies were not so sure they wanted to spend a Saturday night there!

We were greeted by Owner Yanko Dimchev, who has been involved in the restaurant business since the age of 9. Years of working with the biggies have assisted him in developing his own ideas of flavors to savor. From his years with the Levy Organization, working with masterful chefs all over, he realized that his dream was to have his own place and build from there. I think he is on the right road.

Since these were flavors we had not tried before, I asked Yanko to show us the menu from his standpoint- what would he dine on and in what order?

We began with an appetizer called Martinez Cups- mini plaintain cups stuffed with napa slaw ( a unique dish that truly will change your mind about slaw), grilled shrimps, grilled octopus, salmon and avocado poblano sauce. He also added a steak one for a fourth, so we could truly taste the flavors as they blended.

This was followed by the Avocado Salad, romaine lettuce,tomatoes, cucumbers,avocado,onions, cilantro and lime vinaigrette- delicious.

This was followed by  a platter of steak tacos ( one for each of us) that were terrific- this was almost a meal in itself, but we knew there was more to come. Yanko brought us a platter “from the flame” Spicy Pork, Mediterranean sausage, Short Rib, strip steak, potatoes ( that were amazing) and grilled veggies.

There was more than enough to eat as the portions are quite generous. The desserts looked special ( mini tiramisu and coconut flan) but we were savoring the flavors that we had just enjoyed and to be honest, were well satisfied, figuring, we will do this part next time….and there will be a next time!

They have a number of sandwiches, soups, empanadas, tacos galore and soft drinks and water. They are a BYOB, and there are some liquor stores in the area so you can make the evening even more special.

Phoenix Flame is open Tuesday- Sunday from 11 am- 11 p.m.

They also do catering, so you can have your event with great flavors. Their “signature” items are very special and I will tell you that Jane and Marsha were glad they met Yanko and his adorable ( and hard working) daughter, Bella.

To see the menu visit  www.phoenixflame.net

call 847-779-3474

As I said earlier- this “book is amazingly better than its cover”! In other words, if you want good food, you will find it in Niles at Phoenix Flame-Enjoy!!!!