Nadim's represents a migration away from "ethnic" towards something a good deal more mainstream
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Nadim's Mediterrean Restaurant and Grill at 1390 Main Street in Springfield.In order to survive, restaurants must necessarily reinvent themselves as customer tastes change, neighborhoods transition, and competition arrives on the scene. Nadim's Downtown Mediterranean Grill on Main Street is apparently the result of such an evolutionary effort.
Previously known as Cafe Lebanon (and still operating under the same ownership), Nadim's represents a migration away from "ethnic" towards something a good deal more mainstream.
The menu at Nadim's isn't particular extensive, listing only about a dozen entrees, although some of those can be tweaked or reworked by ingredient substitution.
Steak is surprisingly prominent, with both a Delmonico ($24) and NY Strip Sirloin ($24) available.
Salmon ($21) and Swai Fish (river-farmed catfish -- $17) are available, as is Pan-seared Chicken ($16) served with a shallot cream sauce.
Some Lebanese-influenced creations remain, such as various Kabob combinations ($13-$25) and a Stew of the Day ($14).
Appetizer choices at Nadim's Downtown include Near Eastern classics like Kibbie Krass ($7) and Hummos ($7), but Americanized nibbles now dominate -- garlic-marinated Chicken Wings ($8), Mussels ($10), Calamari ($11) and Stuffed Mushrooms ($9).
We started our meal by focusing on from-the-Levant favorites.
The Grape Leaves ($8), stubby, cigar-sized rollups filled with ground meat and rice, had a tart, distinctively vegetal flavor that made a pleasant counterpoint to the creamy yogurt dip provided.
Baba Gannouj (roasted, pureed eggplant seasoned with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic -- $8) was lush and creamy, although a faint but detectable hint of scorched flavor marred the overall experience.
One of the Grill's newest offerings, Mediterranean Mini-burger ($2.50), are made with kafta (ground beef flavored with parsley, onion, and spice) and served on a roll with sliced tomato and garlic sauce. We experienced this "slider" knock-off as a savory riff on hamburger tradition.
Lamb Shank ($22) is a Mediterranean specialty that's gone global; the version served at Nadim's typifies a lot of what made this dish popular.
Braised in a rich reduction of tomato, onion, and root veggies, the shank was meltingly tender, its inherent richness offset by a whisper of warm, cinnamon-like flavor. It's a dish we'd unreservedly recommend.
Lamb Kabobs ($25) at Nadim's are simply but beautifully presented. Cubed, high-quality lamb is skewered with cherry tomatoes and green pepper chunks before being grilled to each patron's specifications.
The lamb's flavor is outstanding, especially when accented with a dab of the aioli sauce provided.
Scallops with Cauliflower ($17) proved, however, to be problematic. We liked the combination of sweet bivalve nuggets, cauliflower florets, and creamy garlic sauce, but the hefty drizzle of balsamic syrup used to garnish the dish added a discordantly sweet dimension.
Most entrees at Nadim's are served with rice pilaf or mashed potatoes; salad or soup is also included.
The establishment holds a full liquor license and thus can accommodate most any cocktail order. The wine list is moderate in size and price, with a small selection of hard-to-find Lebanese vintages included among the selections.
Dessert choices at Nadim's also reflect the establishment's current East-West orientation.
Along with Near Eastern sweetmeats, the selection incorporates the likes of Tiramisu ($7) and a Chocolate Ganache Cake ($8).
We chose to wrap up our visit by sharing Baklava ($4) and Isnalla ($6), the latter a pastry of phyllo layered thickly with sweetened cheese and topped with rose syrup and a garnish of finely-shredded phyllo.
Rice Pudding ($6), our third dessert choice, had a distinctive cinnamon character.
At lunch Nadim's Downtown Grill offers various hot plates such as Turkey Kabobs ($10), Falafel with rice ($8), and a Mediterranean Mini-Burger Plate ($8). A selection of wrap sandwiches ($9) is also available.
The restaurant, which is located just south of Monarch Place, occupies a space with the rich feel of a gentleman's club. Plenty of glass gives diners a front-row seat on Main Street goings-on while an attractive bar provides a spot to gather over drinks and mezze (snacks).
A second Nadim's location on Shaker Road in East Longmeadow offers the same menu as Nadim's Downtown.
Name: Nadim's Downtown Mediterranean Grill
Address: 1390 Main Street, Springfield
Phone:( 413) 737-7373
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Entree prices: $13-$25
Credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Handicapped Access: Accessible, with restrooms down one flight
Reservations: Accepted