Food is funny. Sometimes we scour our city in search of the latest in new and fresh cuisine. Other times we long for our culinary comfort zone. Can a steakhouse fit in to both categories? It’s a questions that has plagued mankind for centuries (OK, maybe not), but, it still deserves an answer.

Here in Sarasota we have a couple of choices when it comes to the traditional steakhouse. Number one on that list is Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. Located on Siesta Drive, Fleming’s comes through on all of the elements you would expect from a first class steakhouse. It has a BIG city feel. It has fantastic, attentive table service. And, a wine list that would make any New York or Chicago establishment blush.

Now Fleming’s has taken the traditional steakhouse concept up a rung or two with the introduction of their “New Classics” menu items. There are eight new dishes that are destined to be old favorites in no time. These items have been created to provide diners with more variety, smaller portion sizes and healthier options. All of the new dishes have a price tag that is accessible to all.

These innovative new menu creations were produced especially for Fleming’s by two highly respected female chefs. Los Angeles based Chef Jamie Gwen and one of southwest Florida’s very own and James Bread Award winner, Chef Jeannie Pierola. These two have combined to put together some new versions of classic dishes, plus a few brand new surprises of their own.

Let’s take a look at one of my favorite “New Classics”, The Tillamook Bay Petrale Sole. We all know that Fleming’s can put out perfectly cooked cuts of steak from their kitchen, after all that’s their specialty. But, what about a delicate piece of fish like Petrale Sole?

Fleming’s version is lightly seasoned and drizzled with a lemon butter sauce. The plate is finished with several delicious and light crab Beignets. This is a tough dish to get right and Fleming’s take on it is right on the money. The fish was cooked perfectly. Light, flaky and moist. The Beignets make a great accompaniment. The preparation is as good as the finest seafood restaurant could offer.

Another new seafood dish joins the sole as a “New Classic”. The Salmon Nicoise Salad combines all of the elements of a more traditional Nicoise, but, with a contemporary twist.

You say, “Yeah, seafood is great, but, I’m still looking for a steak.” In addition to all of Fleming’s traditional steak offerings, now you can enjoy two new options. A Peppercorn Steak, topped with Fleming’s new proprietary F17 sauce and a Porcini Rubbed Filet Mignon. Both cooked to the temperature of your choosing.

A couple of appetizers make the new menu, a Roasted Mushroom Ravioli and an amazing Lump Crab Louis Wrap. And, to round things out, there are two new side dishes, Roasted Baby Carrots and Sautéed French Green Beans.

The Bottom Line: If you’ve gone to Fleming’s in the past to enjoy their traditional steakhouse favorites, you now have a whole new group a choices awaiting you. Of course the steaks are awesome, you would expect that. But, with Fleming’s “New Classics” you can now expect to be wowed in unexpected ways!