Earlier this week, I was invited to a media event for Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar to taste samples from their menu and experience a few wine pairings. Led by Operating Partner Curtis Nordeen and Chef Partner Jerl Griffin (alumni of the Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago), the duo introduced us to their robust menu through six sample plates, a few libations and lots of good conversation. Here's a look at what went down and some dinner suggestions that won't leave your pockets empty...
First and foremost, Flemings has been on my radar to try for quite some time. Why haven't I gotten my sweet cheeks over there yet? Well...I honestly haven't had time to go there as I can't even remember the last time my husband and I went out to dinner at a really nice restaurant by ourselves (partly due to Ironman training, but that's neither here nor there). So we're going to cite crazy scheduling and budgeting as the primary reasons. Plus, as a Kansas City girl I've experienced my fair share of top of the line steakhouses and sometimes get a little leery when it comes to the chains, regardless of the number of stars next to its name.
First impressions? Hot damn this food is incredible!
Second impression? For that price, the food had better be that incredible.
While we're certainly not talking hundreds per person, on average you can expect to spend about $60 per person including tax and tip. But in an economy where seemingly everyone is tightening their pursestrings on some level, I thought it would be fun to take a look at a few ways you can dine at Fleming's and get the most for your money no matter what your budget may be.
Here's a few noteworthy details from the night...
The Bikinitini. Holy crap. I am not a vodka girl at all, but if I could drink this for breakfast, lunch and dinner...I would. And would then likely be arrested for being over the legal limit. A light and fresh taste, this concoction uses Svedka Clementine Vodka and clocks in at only 99 calories for a guilt-free indulgence. The best part? The Bikinitini is part of the 5-6-7 menu at the bar, so from 5-7pm every night, you can experience this treat for $6.
F17 Sauce. This bit of bliss served up in a shot glass is the perfect complement to any steak on the menu. Aptly named for its 17 ingredients, I like to think the "F" actually stands for fantasmical. Not only is it full of flavor, but it brings out the best of the meat. I suggested to Curtis that he should bottle this up so I could take it home and bathe in it. Needless to say, my recommendation didn't go over very well. But yes...that is how awesome it is.
Wine and dessert, anyone?! For the dessert tasting we were treated to a sample of the creme brulee and chocolate lava cake. Pair that lava cake with a glass of Frog's Leap Merlot and you've got a meal fit for a king. Okay, maybe a meal fit for me...but the combination truly made me melt.
In fact...I may return this weekend and have such an awesome meal. Anyone care to join me?
About Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
The nationally acclaimed Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers the best in steakhouse dining - Prime meats and chops, fresh fish and poultry, generous salads and side orders--with a unique wine list known as the "Fleming's 100" that features 100 wines served by the glass. Fleming's was launched in Newport Beach, California in 1998 by successful restaurant industry veterans Paul Fleming and Bill Allen. Today there are 64 restaurants nationwide. Fleming's is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Wine Enthusiast's annual Awards of Distinction and Wine Spectator's annual Awards of Excellence.
Chef Jerl Griffin was one of the nicest guys. The next time you run in to dine here...you should definitely say "hi."Working with a slightly bigger budget? Now through August 15th, you can experience the Maine Lobster & Seafood Boil as part of the new, limited time 3-course summer menu. It features not only lobster, but clams, mussels, shrimp, fresh market vegetables and sausage. At $99 for two ($49.50 for an individual serving), this dish is only available to those who make reservations online or request "memorable meal" while making a phone reservation. I actually cannot comment on the taste of this dish as I have a general aversion to almost anything that comes from the ocean. (...and there goes my street cred! At least I'm honest.)This summer's prix fixe menu at Fleming's is quite impressive. At only $39.50 per person, you're treated to a three course meal with your choice of spinach and mushroom salad or summer corn chowder; beef flemington (shown above) or cedar plank broiled barramundi; and a slice of key lime pie for dessert.So every Sunday this past month, Fleming's offered a 3-course prime rib dinner complete with salad and dessert for only $29.95 per person. While we've run out of Sundays this month, keep your eyes peeled for a similar special soon. Flemings is always putting together wonderful deals that won't break your piggy bank and leave you with a happy stomach.Looking for a casual sit down with friends? Consider treating yourself to several appetizers with a shared bottle of wine (or single glass...they have over 30 wines for $10 or less). We were privy to try the roasted mushroom ravioli and the lump crab louis wraps and both were excellent. I tend to avoid mushrooms, but even I was pleasantly surprised. The selection of appetizers are all fairly priced (the most expensive option being the Lobster Tempura at $20.95) and seven options available for under $15.
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Not all restaurant bars are created equal. And that certainly is the case at Flemings. Notice how "wine bar" is in its name. And the selection doesn't disappoint. With more than 100 wines available by the glass, you will find something to appease your taste buds. And on top of it, the Flemings bar offers the "5-6-7" special...that's 5 premium cocktails, 5 award-winning wines by the glass and 5 signature appetizers, all priced at $6 and served 7 nights a week in the bar area from 5-7pm. Included in this awesome selection--the mouthwatering Fleming's Prime Burger.
Jackie--it was nothing short of awesome! Even if your budget can't expand for a full multi-course sit down dinner, there are dozens of affordable combinations to appease your tastebuds :)
I've been to the Fleming's in Scottsdale and it was one of my favorite steakhouses ever. Classy, great food, phenomenal environment.
Sounds like it's worth a try!
Jackie--it was nothing short of awesome! Even if your budget can't expand for a full multi-course sit down dinner, there are dozens of affordable combinations to appease your tastebuds :)