Food: Prime Dining At Fleming's

My bride and I celebrated our 22nd anniversary on the 22nd, and since we considered this to be some sort of milestone, we wanted to dine at someplace special. After tossing about a few ideas, we finally decided that Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar on Boy Scout Road should be graced with our presence. Lucky them, and as it turned out, lucky us.

To make the evening even more special, I arranged transportation to and from Fleming's with Cab Plus, an up-scale taxi service that utilizes immaculate Lincoln Town cars. Actually, we use Cab Plus for all of our taxi needs in Tampa.

Upon arrival at Fleming's we walked in to a well appointed interior, and since reservations were made in advance, we were promptly seated, and service began before our derrières had even warmed the seat cushions. Jon was our most attentive server for the evening, and he recommended the Tenderloin Carpaccio to go with our glasses of Mionetto sparkling wine. Jon said the carpaccio was the best he had ever tasted. We join him in praise of this appetizer served with caper creole mustard sauce, and a basil chiffonade.

To compliment our entrée selections, I chose a bottle of a slightly smoky, yet jammy Château Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine paired well with my bone-in Prime Ribeye, and my bride's bone-in Filet Mignon. Yes, I said a bone-in Filet Mignon. We have never before been offered such a thing, and since Jon said they are not always available, we had to try it. Oh my gosh, it was perfection on a plate. I had a taste, and it was by far the best Filet Mignon I have ever had. My bone-in ribeye ranked right up there with the best, and both steaks were perfectly prepared and seasoned. Neither steak required any additional sauces or condiments.

For sides, my bride ordered the Baked Potato, and I requested the Grilled High Country Asparagus. Both were delicious, but it should be mentioned that the side dishes are large enough for two to share. Jon warned us, but we decided to be little piglets anyway.

Not that we really needed anything more to eat and drink, but Jon forced us to order dessert, the Turtle Pie for her, and the Creme Brulee for me. Well, maybe he didn't force us exactly, but we were pleased that we ordered these two excellent desserts. To compliment these sweet dishes we chose two glasses of a twenty year old Taylor Fladgate Tawny Port.

While Jon prepared our check, I called for our limo, and by the time we made it to the door, our chariot awaited. Our bill for the evening came to $276.93, and we left a well deserved 20% gratuity.

We enjoyed a grand evening at Fleming's.