"Reaching for the Gold. After having driven by Fleming's at Regency Court probably 1000 times we decided to try it for dinner on a Friday night. The place was mobbed, so we were glad we made reservations. We were seated immediately and welcomed profusely when we advised that it was our first visit.
The menu is pretty straightforward. Mostly beef steaks, but also a few seafood, poultry and pork options. They also have a large selection of appetizers and small plate options, so you can really mix it up, depending on your mood and hunger level.
We started with the sweet chili fried calamari. I have enjoyed a lot of calamari over the years, and Fleming's version was among the very best of the lot. Complimentary bread service was also offered. The small crusty loaf came with two choices of seasoned toppings, one a seasoned goat cheese and the other an herb tomato butter. It was so good we asked for a second helping.
Oddly, some of the main courses come accompanied with vegetables and/or a starch, while others come completely a la carte. There doesn't seem to be any pattern, or logic, to this. My swordfish was accompanied by Israeli couscous, pine nuts and the very best flavored sliced cherry tomatoes I've ever tasted. My spouse's bone in ribeye steak was served all by itself. We did order creamed spinach, which was excellent, and enough to share.
The ribeye came exactly as ordered: rare. My husband pronounced it "superb". Unfortunately, my swordfish was served medium well, which is way too overcooked. Most fish should be cooked rare or at most medium rare.
Our waiter checked on us shortly after our dinners arrived, and I mentioned that I had expected the swordfish to arrive properly cooked (medium rare) without my having to request it. He apologized, and a moment later the manager arrived, apologized, and took the dish off of our bill. I had not asked for that to be done, and in fact had protested that it still tasted good, coming as it did with a generous coating of creamy sauce. But he insisted on comping my dinner.
For dessert we split a creme brûlée . It was very good, although I have had better elsewhere.
We were advised that seasonal specials regularly appear on the menu, and that by joining their email list we could be sent news on specials, and even coupons. I will have to visit the web site to sign up.
Our service was excellent, with water glasses filled promptly and dishes cleared unobtrusively. Each course of our meal came out timely.
Wine lovers will appreciate the broad spectrum of wine offerings, both by the bottle as well as glass. Nice wines can be ordered for less than $10 a glass or $40 a bottle. Of course you can also spend much more.
The restaurant is quite handsome, and larger than one might expect from its outward appearance. The semi open kitchen adds a nice touch. The tall ceiling, darker color scheme and subdued lighting are befitting a classic steakhouse, which is what Fleming's strives to be.
Fleming's didn't hit on all cylinders. But it came very close. We will definitely save up for a return visit.
Food: A-
Service: A+
Atmosphere: A
Menu Sophistication: A-
Value: B+"
