I was flipping through a pile of old images from some of our Sarasota restaurants and came across some from a Fleming’s Steakhouse photo shoot I did a while back.

This is their Lump Crab Louis Wrap. I had forgotten what a great appetizer it was. I thought I would dust off a couple of those shots just in case your memory needed a jolt too.

Looks delicious, right? Have another look.

I have some new image editing software I’m trying out. It really gives these old shots some new life.

Oh, FYI – Fleming’s still has this fantastic app on their menu. If it’s been a while since you’ve been by, you might want to head on over and see if it’s as good as I remembered.

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR
2001 Siesta Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34239
941-358-9463

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 question that has plagued mankind for centuries (OK, maybe not), but, it still deserves an answer.

Here in Sarasota we have several 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 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!

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
2001 Siesta Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34239
941-358-9463

How about something a little less traditional this St. Patrick’s Day season?

I know you’re probably thinking, “what no green beer?”. Instead of the usual Black & Tan, how about a Fleming’s Go Green wine dinner!

From March 5th through March 14th Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar will be hosting this unique wine experience. For $55.00 (including wine), this is what you’ll be treated to:

PASSED HORS D’OEUVRES
Irish cheeses featuring Sage Derby & Cahill’s Farm Cheddar and fresh fruit
LOOSEN BROS., Riesling Mosel Dr. L Germany, 2008
Organic & Sustainable

APPETIZER
Citrus-cured Celtic Salmon on potato boxty with chive sour cream
PARDUCCI, Sustainable White Mendocino County, 2008
Organic, Biodynamic & Sustainable

ENTRÉE
Irish-style Filet Mignon served on a deconstructed sauce
with bacon, carrots, new potatoes and thyme
CHELSEA GOLDSCHMIDT, Merlot Dry Creek Valley, 2006
Organic & Sustainable

DESSERT
Guinness Stout Chocolate Cake with chantilly cream
Coffee and Tea

Looks like you can still get a little taste of Guinness just by eating dessert! Maybe they’re on to a new St. Patrick’s tradition.

Reservations are sure to go fast for what should be an evening of great food, wine and fun.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
2001 Siesta Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34239
941-358-9463

There’s stuff going on in the Sarasota Restaurant and dining community and you should know about it! Here are some of the things that are on the top of our pile.

Tuesday January 19th is Pasta Tuesday at The Sun House Restaurant. A three course prix fixe menu will be offered. First course: choice of Soup or Caesar Salad. Second: Penne Salmone, Sausage Rigatoni or Porta Chicken. Third course: Dessert of the Moment. All this for the great price of $15.00

Sarasota Vineyard wine tasting. January 21, 2010 5:30pm to 7:30pm. A four wine sampling including: C.H Berres Impulse Riesling (Germany), Morgenhof Estate Chenin Blanc (South Africa), Jam Jar sweet Shiraz (South Africa) and Carchuelo Jumilla (Spain).

Chef Paul Mattison’s hosts Gourmet Appetizer and Party Plates, a lunchtime cooking class on Wednesday, January 20 from 11:30am-1:30pm at Mattison’s Forty-One, 7275 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231, telephone 941.921.3400. The price is $35 per person and the class has limited attendance. This special lunch and cooking class includes a three-course lunch with wine and an exciting cooking demonstration with Chef Paul Mattison.

Fleming’s Winter Prix Fixe Menu. Fleming’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar is debuting their Winter Prix Fixe Menu this month with a choice of 3 entrées: Braised Boneless Short Rib of Beef, Seared Scallops Peperonata or Roasted Half Duckling. At $39.95. This complete 3-course menu is an exceptional value. Don’t miss it!

Loose Ends…

• January is Hot Tea Month. The Tea Lady uncovers Cochin Masala Chai
• Say Cheese! Artisan cheeses are still hot stuff.
• The Sarasota H-T’s Jack Winner spotlights great seafood.
• From CL Sarasota. Brian Ries takes a look at Lan’s late night selections.

If you would like to have your restaurant happenings featured in our weekly Odds and Ends post. just drop us an email with all of the details. We’ll take care of the rest.

If you know someone who might be interested in this article please use our sharing tools at the bottom of the page.

September is a month of discovery over at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. All this month they will be celebrating the addition of great new wines, menu selections and specials.

Here’s is some of what the folks at Fleming’s have in store for you.

The new Fleming’s 100 debuted on September 1st. It’s this years collection of 100 wines by the glass, 30 of which sell for $10 a glass or less. “The Fleming’s 100 is nothing less than an honor roll of excellence from around the world,” explains Director of Wine Marian Jansen op de Haar. “This year we have made a special effort to find superb wines at a value which we know is of key importance to our guests.  It’s an absolute pleasure for me to introduce these exciting new wines, one glass at a time.”

Through September 30th you can treat yourself to Fleming’s Memorable Meal: Trio of Filets. The filets are presented side by side in a modern take on three classic preparation styles. They include, Wellington, Oscar and Au Poivre. This three course meal will also include a salad, side dish and a trio of creme brulees. All this for the great price of $45 per person.

Hungry for a burger? How about indulging yourself with a selection from Fleming’s Prime Burger Bar menu. It features five “Prime Burgers” each served with a mini wedge salad and two of their signature onion rings. Why not try a Sliced Filet Mignon Burger, Ahi Tuna Burger, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Burger, Portobello Mushroom Burger or a signature Fleming’s Prime Burger.

That’s a lot going on in September, but, that’s not all. You can still take advantage of the 5 for $6 til 7 offer and every Tuesday is Wine Tuesday. receive 25% off any bottle selection from the new Fleming’s 100 list. Or, bring your own bottle and enjoy complimentary corkage.

WOW! That’s a lot to choose from. It looks like Fleming’s is going all out this month to help hungry Sarasota diners get the most from their hard earned dining dollar. Now there’s no reason not to treat yourself to a night at Fleming’s.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
2001 Siesta Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34239
941-358-9463

Last May we reported on the 5 For 6 ‘Til 7 deal at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Winebar. Here’s a little update to that post.

Fleming’s has recently added their Fleming’s Prime Sirloin Burger to the 5 For 6 menu. It’s grilled to your liking with blackened sweet and spicy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese and served on a braided bun for just $6.00. That addition is sure to be a hit with the Sarasota summer dining crowd.

Try pairing your freshly grilled Fleming’s Prime Sirloin Burger with one of their five great wines or cocktails.

5 COCKTAILS
WHITE COSMO, Ketel One Vodka
APPLETINI, Grey Goose Vodka
BASIL LEMON DROP, Ciroc Vodka
FLEMING’S MOJITO, Bacardi Limon Rum
DIAMOND RITA, Herrudura Silver Tequila

5 WINES BY THE GLASS
CHARDONNAY, Solaire by Robert Mondavi
PINOT GRIGIO, Luna Freakout Blend, Napa Valley
PINOT NOIR, Cartlidge & Browne, California
MERLOT, Red Diamond, Washington
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Five Rivers, Paso Robles

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Winebar
2001 Siesta Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34239
941-358-9463

No matter how you do the math, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Sarasota has a great deal for you. They have just announced their amazing “5 for 6 ’til 7″ promotion. It’s their way of helping you make the most of your hard earned dining dollars. Here’s the scoop. From 5pm to 7pm Tuesday through Saturday and from 5pm until close on Sunday and Monday you can have any one of 5 great cocktails, appetizers or wines for just $6.00. That’s a nice deal no matter how you add things up.

Here’s a look at the fantastic food and drinks that Fleming’s chefs and bartenders will be whipping up just for you.

5 COCKTAILS
WHITE COSMO, Ketel One Vodka
APPLETINI, Grey Goose Vodka
BASIL LEMON DROP, Ciroc Vodka
FLEMING’S MOJITO, Bacardi Limon Rum
DIAMOND RITA, Herrudura Silver Tequila

5 WINES BY THE GLASS
CHARDONNAY, Solaire by Robert Mondavi
PINOT GRIGIO, Luna Freakout Blend, Napa Valley
PINOT NOIR, Cartlidge & Browne, California
MERLOT, Red Diamond, Washington
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Five Rivers, Paso Robles

5 APPETIZERS
TENDERLOIN CARPACCIO
SWEET CHILI CALAMARI
WICKED CAJUN BARBECUE SHRIMP
SEARED AHI TUNA
JUMBO LUMP CRAB CAKES

This promotion runs only in Fleming’s bar area. Which, if you haven’t been, is a really fantastic place to spend an evening with friends. The 5 for 6 ’til 7 offer makes it that much more special.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
2001 Siesta Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34239
941-358-9463

With the Easter holiday fast approaching, a lot of folks are looking for a great holiday meal that won’t break the bank. It looks like Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar has you covered. On Sunday April12th from 11:30am to 3:00pm they will be serving an amazing Easter menu for a great price. Here’s what they will be offering guests this Easter holiday.

Choice of One Starter

The Wedge, Celery Root and Spring Onion Soup, or Fresh Fruit Medley

Choice of One Entrée

Filet Mignon Benedict, Crab Cake Benedict, Applewood Smoked Pork Chop, or Smoked Salmon Quiche

All entrees served with loaded mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans, served family style

Choice of One Dessert

Berry Cobbler, Crème Brûlée, or Walnut Turtle Pie

You can get this memorable Easter meal for $29.95 per person (not including tax and tip). At that price you can take the whole family for a special day. If the above menu choices don’t get your attention, Fleming’s will also be serving their full menu all day and evening. For reservations contact the restaurant at 941-358-9463.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
2001 Siesta Drive
Sarasota, FL
941-358-9463

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar located on Siesta Drive has put together a great deal on a classic and delicious combination. Through September 30th they are offering a Filet Mignon and Lobster meal for two for the very special price of $99.

This fantastic meal includes, two 6 ounce Filets, two Australian lobster tails, two Chopped Wedge Salads, Fleming’s Potatoes, Sugar Snap Peas and Chocolate Mousse with Hazelnut Bark for two to finish it off. Alcohol is not included in the price, but Fleming’s does have an outstanding list of wines by the glass that they call the Fleming’s 100. If selecting wine really isn’t your thing, one of their knowledgeable wine experts will help you make the perfect choice to accompany your meal.

This would be an excellent way to celebrate a special occasion or to treat yourself to an elegant night out without breaking the bank.