Restaurant Review: FLAME Grill--Bar, Carbondale, Il.

My husband and I were looking for a  place to enjoy a nice dinner in celebration of our 36th wedding anniversary. We live in southern Illinois which has many places to choose from, but we tend to go to the same places every year and chose instead to try a place we had yet to visit.

I put out a request for suggestions from locals on my EVERYTHING IN MODERATION facebook page as well as my husband's personal page, and we found many great reviews/suggestions on many places we have yet to try.

So, I decided to begin reviewing some new places as well as places we already love.

I'm starting with our dining experience at Flame.

Flame Grill-Bar  located  at 501 E. Walnut St. in Carbondale, Il., opened in 2012 and has quickly become one of the most popular fine dining places in our area. It is easy to find and there is plenty of parking.

*Photo from Trip Advisor


Upon entrance, we were greeted by our server who led us to a comfortable booth in an artsy, eclectic, yet classy dining room. Dim lighting and light music playing in the background created the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner.

The dining area was very clean, and patrons were dressed nicely, but casually.

*Photo from Trip Advisor

Our server wasn't the friendliest- not very engaging- but was efficient. I do try to keep in mind that servers are individuals with unique personalities and also I have no idea what they are going through personally at the time we chose to come and dine, so with that in mind, our service was fine. She promptly took our orders and returned routinely for refills and to meet any other needs we had.

We did not have to wait long for any courses of our meal.

Our appetizer choice was the Classic Bruschetta and it was just delicious! The presentation was beautiful and unique. The price was $7.99 and there was plenty for both of us to enjoy.

*Photo from Trip Advisor

The perfect blend of flavors-- tomatoes, gorgonzola cheese crumbles, garlic, and balsamic vinegar to spoon onto the warm, crusty bread.

The entrees we chose were both steaks, but prepared differently. I  ordered the 12 oz. Grand Steer Top Sirloin.

 It was perfectly grilled with a crunchy outer sear while remaining tender and juicy inside--medium rare, just the way I  like it. I enjoyed the salty, but delicious seasoning and a generous serving size. My entree came with choice of potato and choice of salad or soup. I chose a Caesar Salad which was very good. Homemade croutons were a nice addition. The dressing was tasty and bold, so little was needed. I chose mashed potatoes as my side and was surprisingly disappointed. I LOVE mashed potatoes and just assumed they would also be great. I only ate a few bites of them. Something was off. Something more butter or salt couldn't remedy. My husband felt the same about his. I would recommend ordering the baked potato instead. My entree was $20.99 which included my steak, potatoes, and salad. It would have also included bread/butter (which I hear is delicious) but you must ask for it on the side-- no extra charge.

My husband ordered the Sirloin and Shrimp Asiago Steak. It was a 12 oz. grilled steak topped with grilled shrimp covered in a creamy Asiago cream sauce with grated Parmesan. He did not care for it. But I think it is just a taste preference, and no reflection on the chef. He took a chance on an unfamiliar combination of Asiago and seafood, and it so happened he didn't like that combo. He felt the cheese overpowered the dish. But again, just his preference, someone else may love that combination. His entree was $27.99 and also included a salad and potatoes. Bread would have also been included.

We were both too full for dessert and drank water and tea, so I can't review desserts or drink choices.

We visited on a Tuesday evening and it was busy enough for a weeknight. Reservations are not required, but I would suggest making them on a weekend or with larger parties. There is ample seating, however, always best to be prepared.

Dress was casual. You could come dressed up or casually dressed and would fit in nicely. This is a nice place to dine for a special occasion. Hours of operation are 11am-9pm Monday-Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours are 11am-10 pm. Closed on Sundays.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Atmosphere and bruschetta are worth a re-visit. Great steak. Good menu selections. Also different specials throughout the week.

Check out their website, or find them on facebook here.

Enjoy! ~Everything in Moderation.

Happy Anniversary to ME!

This past weekend, we celebrated our 31st anniversary!  We wanted to get away and do something special, but didn't have the time to travel far. We are also in the middle of home renovations so money is  a bit tight, but we never let an anniversary pass without doing something special because, well, let's face it-- there's not many people around who are celebrating over 30 years together and that is something that must be  celebrated!

We found the PERFECT getaway, that was close to home but felt like a different world for us. It was one hour from our home--a log cabin nestled in the woods- secluded, upon a hill with spectacular views and was just the R&R that was needed for us to reconnect, recommit and rejuvenate! THE CABIN ON THE HILL, in rural Carbondale, Illinois.

 There are actually 4 cabins-- one large enough for several guests, 2 that are a bit smaller, and then the cabin we rented, THE COUPLE'S RETREAT cabin.  This cabin had the best of both worlds.  Just enough "rustic" with the modern conveniences and was beautifully decorated.

A spacious, open design in the living room/kitchen area....
(The cabinets were stocked with all the dishes, cookware and bake ware needed to prepare your own meals. Even seasonings were provided. Microwave and a dishwasher helped make preparation and cleanup a breeze.

There are plenty of places to eat in the area  if you don't want to cook your own meals, but we had already enjoyed a nice meal earlier in the week, and this weekend, was about being ALONE. (hubba, hubba. ;)


The back patio (our favorite place) was where the hot tub and a small sitting area were located, and we were able to watch wild deer grazing in the yard close by, while we enjoyed a little down time.

I zoomed in from the screened-in porch to capture this one

We enjoyed appetizers, while my hubs grilled for us --some steak (marinating in A-1 brand marinade) and asparagus (in foil with a bit of butter and Parmesan) -- I prepared a salad and  a simple  watermelon for dessert.

Nothing fancy-- but nice.

We ate inside at the intimate table for two.

The hosts thought of everything. After dinner and some time in the hot tub (towels and robes provided), we enjoyed a movie on the television. They had also provided a very good selection of DVDs to chose from. There were also plenty of magazines, board games and brochures from  around the area of places to go and experience that would be very helpful for those who are not familiar with southern Illinois.

There was a nice little fire pit, with two chairs that we had planned to enjoy before going to bed, but the rain prevented it. Something I'll look forward to on our next visit.

Our comfortable bed in the nice bedroom ,  (complete with a flat-screened TV for those who need it) and adjoining bathroom was also decorated with just the right mix of rustic and modern decor  which I appreciated.

The front porch, with two rockers and a swing, provided the perfect setting for a peaceful morning's quiet time, enjoying coffee while listening to the birds sing before a peaceful,  steady rain began.

My hubs and I had planned our trip around an itinerary involving a motorcycle ride in and around this area to enjoy the beauty of southern Illinois, but the rain changed our plans.Instead,  we enjoyed the beauty we found INSIDE the cabin, and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company during the calming rainfall as we watched and listened  from the front porch and the screened-in back porch.

Due to the rain, we did not get to enjoy the walk on the trail near our cabin, or take the short trip to the barn to see the animals which was recommended. They also were generous to offer fresh eggs to our  morning breakfast, but I had prepared  our own breakfast ( simple oatmeal with berries and almonds, some grapes, ) and some cinnamon toast.)

Normally, there is a minimum of a two-night's stay (then you can REALLY get the full effect of a relaxing weekend), but there was only one night that was available, and we only had one night free to go. It still did the trick!

There is minimum housekeeping required ( AKA "cleaning up after yourself"...just the basics-- clean and put away any dirty dishes used, and put your wet towels in a hamper).

You really don't need to bring anything except food or snacks-- they provide all else (soaps, lotions, shampoos, robes, hair dryer, dishes, bakeware, utensils, serving pieces,  games, videos, reading material, etc.) You  will only need to sit back and enjoy the view!

I highly recommend THE CABIN ON THE HILL in Carbondale, Illinois for those in the area, who want to feel like you really got away, without having to travel very far.  But it would be a perfect place to retreat for those outside of the southern Illinois area, who are traveling here to take in the natural beauty this area offers.

You can click on their link here, to learn more about the many area attractions, and more info on the cabins.

You will need to book your cabin early, as you will see, there are not many openings any time soon.

We will not wait until next year took book a weekend here, again.  We may even try to talk the family into renting the bigger carbon for all of us.

Our grandbaby, Lia Rose, celebrated with us on the night of our anniversary earlier in the week as she accompanied us to dinner. It was a very HAPPY anniversary!