Cheating at Flemings

Well, what are Divas to do when their motto is entrees under $15.00 and they want to dine at a well know steakhouse…..they hesitate momentarily and then decide they are entitled to splurge every once in a while, of course ! And besides we hate rules and love valet. Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar was the popular choice. The atmosphere immediately put us in the mood for an evening of fine dining. The soft lighting and warm wood tones (that makes a Diva look her best) was just perfect. Ahhhhh..We deserved this.
There’s a nice sized bar that’s wonderful to lounge in while you wait for a table or just stopping by to unwind after a full business day. The view’s not bad either as it attract handsome men in suits with generous expense accounts.
The staff’s warm welcome made the Divas feel at home. We were escorted to our table and in for a treat!
Now….The Food.
First, of course, was the wine. Flemings serves 100 wines by the glass. Whew – what decisions! Since it was as difficult as deciding on only one pair of shoes at Nordstrom’s, we decided to enjoy a “flight of wine”, or two. What a fabulous idea when a Diva can’t make up her mind! We put our trust in the capable hands of our wine manager to make the selections. The first flight consisted of three white wines varying from mild to full intensity and was served on a stand holding all three glasses. This was going to be fun! We selected a delightful shrimp appetizer to start us off. Flemings has a phenomenal menu, but it was Sunday and we had our hearts set on their Prime Rib Sunday Special for $33.95 which includes a choice of salad, 12 oz. prime rib, a side dish and dessert. Their philosophy is to bring back the Sunday family dinner.
We all ordered different salads so we could sample each……the House Salad with seasonal greens, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, tomatoes and croutons with a refreshing citrus dressing, a Classic Caesar with fresh parmesan and anchovies, and their famous ¼ Iceberg Wedge with fresh crumbled bleu cheese and creamy dressing {which fell between each layer of the wedge - genius!}, grape tomatoes and red onions. They were all delicious! By now we were ready for the next flight of wine and this time we had the red selections from around the world. We love this idea! Next, the main entrée….of course we all had the prime rib, except for Granola Diva who avoids meat and instead ordered the New Zealand King Salmon in a cabernet butter sauce. Ohhh, what a wonderful choice! The prime ribs were cooked to perfection and served with three sauces; au jus, creamy horseradish and a Dijon sauce. Yum! As we passed around the grilled asparagus, creamed spinach, chipotle cheddar macaroni and cheese, Flemings potatoes {similar to scalloped} and sugar snap peas with a soy chili glaze ….we were in Diva dining heaven.
Portions were generous so we decided to pause and save the rest for a wonderful next days lunch. After all there was dessert to be considered! Goodness!……Chocolate lava cake, cheesecake, crème brulee, baked peach cobbler and fresh berries with chantilly cream. Decisions, decisions…..We ordered one of each, naturally. Everything was amazing but if chocolate is your thing go for the lava cake! { it takes a little time to prepare so order it in advance }. You will be glad you did it’s out of this world! But then again, what Diva doesn’t love chocolate.
Through out the evening, in between sips and bites, we each shared our own eclectic memories of Sunday family dinners. Before we knew it we were the last ones left in the restaurant. Where did the time go…..
The Diva splurge was well worth it and Fleming’s Steakhouse has definitely become one of our favorites!
Fleming’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 2001 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL
941-358-9463 www.flemingssteakhouse.com