I tried a new restaurant along the monks’ path. Here’s what I got for $25
Flame: Asian Bistro & Bar in Pineville, which opened in June, sits just a short drive from the North Carolina–South Carolina state line, the same road the Buddhist monks walking for peace passed through last week on their way to Washington, D.C.
They’ve been on my mind more than I expected.
There’s something about the patience of it all — step after step, mile after mile — that stuck with me as I pulled into the parking lot.
I found myself wondering if they would ever stop somewhere like this — if they’d enjoy a space like Flame, with soft lighting, clean lines and a bright white bar that feels both cozy and modern.
“What kind of music do the monks listen to?” I wondered as Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes’ 2019 hit “Senorita” played overhead. The song gave the room an easy, relaxed feel — the kind that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. It felt far from the quiet of a long walk but comforting in its own way.
Maybe it was the weather, or maybe it was just one of those days when comfort food feels like a small reward, but I was in the mood for something familiar: a classic Chinese dish, the kind you grow up ordering on takeout nights. Sweet, savory, warm and dependable. Food that doesn’t try to impress you, just makes you feel good.
The monks don’t get that kind of choice. They take whatever the road gives them, carrying little more than their robes and their purpose. No menus. No cravings. No debating between orange chicken or lo mein. Just walking.
And yet, standing there with a menu in my hands, I felt a small connection — both of us, in our own ways, trying to stay present, whether that means crossing state lines on foot or sitting down with a fork, ready for something warm and familiar.
Here’s what you need to know about Flame: Asian Bistro & Bar.
What’s on the menu at Flame: Asian Bistro & Bar?
The menu at Flame: Asian Bistro & Bar blends authentic Chinese dishes with modern Asian fusion, offering everything from gyoza and edamame, to hearty clay pot meals, stir-fries, Southeast Asian noodles and seafood options.
Appetizers typically range from about $5-$15, while most entrees and larger plates fall in the $14-$30 range.
Here’s everything I got for $25:
- Golden crab wonton ($6.95)
- Orange chicken ($12.95)
The golden crab wontons came out hot and perfectly crisp, turning a familiar starter into something truly satisfying. Each bite had a creamy, savory center and a light crunch that never felt greasy. It was comfort food done right — the kind of dish that reminds you why it became a classic in the first place.
The orange chicken stood out because it actually tasted like oranges. The sauce was bright and citrusy, clinging to tender pieces of chicken with just the right balance of sweet and tangy. Instead of being overly sugary, the orange flavor really came through, making it feel like the best version of a dish everyone already loves.
It felt like the kind of simple, honest meal the monks might appreciate too: something warm and grounding after a long day of putting one foot in front of the other.
Flame: Asian Bistro & Bar
Location: 10223 Mcintyre Ridge Rd, Pineville, NC 28134
Cuisine: Asian
Instagram: @flameclt
This story was originally published January 20, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "I tried a new restaurant along the monks’ path. Here’s what I got for $25."
