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Great steak, but not the place for a romantic evening
by THEIslandGirl, Washington DC (3 reviews)
November 06, 2010
Just got back from an evening at Fleming's where we celebrated my birthday. We knew it was pricey, but as this was a special occasion and we are wine lovers, we thought we would give it a try.
Wonderful staff at Fleming's......hostesses were very friendly,....everyone we encountered was there to please the customer. Food was amazing with the exception of one dish...we pretty much loved everything from the appetizers to the dessert. I asked for a rare steak and unlike some places that feel they need to question your judgment on whether or not you really *understand* WHAT a rare steak is, Fleming's figures you get it and serve you what you ask for....seriously, my steak was showed to the flame! :) It was fork tender and wonderfully delicious! Hubby had lamb chops that were cooked to perfection. The only thing I was sorry we ordered was the Chipotle Macaroni and Cheese. Not quite sure why this dish had such rave reviews because it was like amped up box of Kraft Mac & Cheese. Maybe the people in this restaurant were used to their mom making that for them when they were a kid, I don't know but I will say that this is the one dish I would like to give the chef a lesson in how to prepare because I make killer mac and cheese and this one to me was runny and not casserole like at all. Lesson learned. We were very happy with the other elements of the meal, the wine, cocktails, desserts and definitely the friendly staff.
We were expecting something different when it came to the atmosphere. We figured there would be celebrations, but I can't remember the last time that I dined somewhere of this caliber that was so LOUD! You could barely hear yourself think. I had to ask our wonderful server several times to repeat himself. For the price of the meal, I was really expecting something special when it comes to what I think of as atmosphere. We dine at Carrabbas on occasion and I can't ever say it has ever been that loud in a run of the mill chain restaurant. Seriously, do people know what a normal tone of voice is anymore?
Would we go back....we might think about it on a weeknight as I think it might be a tad better, but never on another weekend night. For the money we spent, we certainly expected much more in the ambiance department.
I must agree with nefretari2 on a point she made....we dined there for my birthday and were seated behind the bar....why would someone celebrating an event be seated near the kitchen or near the bar?
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