The East Mountains has a new eatery, but it’s something a little different than anything that has been there before. Flamez Mediterranean Fusion opened its doors on May 22, in the former Yours, Mine and Ours restaurant located at 12118 NM-14 in Cedar Crest. The restaurant opened without much fanfare, but within one day, sold out of much of the food on the menu.
In a short time, this East Mountain establishment has already been wildly popular.
“We were completely unprepared,” jokes Tierna Unruh-Enos, who owns the restaurant with her husband Shadi Al Roussan. “We had an idea we would be busy because there was so much anticipation from people stopping in daily while we were getting the place ready to open. We literally just turned on the open sign”
The most popular dish on the menu? Hummus and gyros.
“We go through at least three to four gallons of hummus per day,” says Unruh-Enos.
The menu features dishes made with fresh ingredients, herbs and recipes from the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
“Everything is made from scratch. We plan to introduce new flavors from Turkey, Lebanon and other Mediterranean countries,” says Unruh-Enos, “There’s so many flavors and rich cultural traditions to explore from that region that many people have not really experienced.”
Opening a restaurant that features traditional Greek and Middle Eastern recipes came naturally to the couple who met in Greece in 2005.
“We eat a lot of this food at home,” says Unruh-Enos.
For many, Flamez is a familiar name. Al Roussan trained with the late chef and owner of a popular Albuquerque restaurant, Flamez Bistro, Salim Khoury. Both Khoury and Al Roussan grew up in Jordan.
“Salim taught me so much about how to run a kitchen and how to mix flavors and traditions from the Middle East with American food,” said Al Roussan. “He taught me how to cook and make people happy with food.”
Khoury passed away during the COVID pandemic and the restaurant closed.
Opening the restaurant under the name Flamez Mediterranean Fusion was a respectful nod to Khoury and carrying on that tradition of blending food from different cultures. Staying true to the East Mountain vibe, Flamez caters to those looking for a casual lunch or an intimate dinner and plans to feature live music on the weekends.
“We really want to make this a place where everyone feels welcome, and where people are always looking for new features on the menu as we bring in special dishes, desserts and drinks from around the world,” said Unruh-Enos.
Al Roussan says opening the restaurant was a way to introduce people to Middle Eastern and Greek culture. “With all of the political craziness going on in the world now, the one thing that brings people together is food,” said Al Roussan.
Flamez Mediterranean Fusion
12118 NM-14, Cedar Crest
Open Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.