News-Journal staffer Jacque Estes and her husband enjoy a variety of ethnic foods. They recently took a break from turkey leftovers to try Flavors in Daytona Beach, where they sampled some Indian fare.
What was the atmosphere like?
The restaurant is basically an open room with latticed dividers along one wall to provide secluded areas. A modest decor, the restaurant had plenty of room for large groups.
What was the atmosphere like?
The restaurant is basically an open room with latticed dividers along one wall to provide secluded areas. A modest decor, the restaurant had plenty of room for large groups.
So, how was the food?
We had enjoyed our fill of typical Thanksgiving fare the day before so we decided to try out Flavors for lunch. Flavors offers both northern and southern Indian dishes. We started with two appetizers, vegetable samosas -- two golden fried turnovers that were stuffed with potatoes and peas -- and paneer pakora, deep-fried homemade cheese in a chickpea batter. Both came with a tamarind sauce that had a touch of heat (spice). It wasn't overly hot at first, but gave a nice taste surprise with a strong spicy finish.
For the main course I ordered a chicken madras platter, which is a curry dish, and my husband ordered vindalloo lamb platter. We were asked what level of heat we would like. I chose medium, which proved hot enough, especially since the dish contained whole dried chilies that raise the heat slowly.
Vindalloo, a traditionally Goan dish adopted from the Portuguese, is one of the hotter Indian dishes to begin with. My husband requested the hottest spice level and wasn't disappointed. He finds that most Asian restaurants cook to American tastes rather than authentic flair. This was not the case with Flavors. Both platters were served with naan bread, rice and chutney. Although not mentioned on the menu as part of the luncheon combo platters, we also each were served a vegetable soup that contained peas and potatoes.
The chicken and lamb sauces had large chunks of meat and were in separate bowls to allow us to add it as we wished onto our rice. Both were delicious and very filling. The naan differed from what we are used to, but was tasty nonetheless, as was the red chutney.
How much did your wallet hurt after all that?
Appetizers cost from $4 to $7, luncheon combo platters and other entrees from $6 to $9. Our lunch bill, including the two appetizers and soft drinks was $31.63 not including the $5 tip. The service was prompt and attentive but not intrusive. Our waitress was there when we needed something but gave us our space to enjoy a relaxing meal.
Flavors
WHERE: 137 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach
HOURS: Lunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dinner: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Closed
Sunday.
MISC.: Major credit cards accepted. To-go orders available.
PHONE: 386-258-1994
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