Small Plates, Big Pours, Big News at Flemings

by Frank Mangio
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar is an unforgettable night of fun and flavor in a palatial setting where the culinary good life is toasted nightly.  Set into a hotel/restaurant square in La Jolla off the I-5, Fleming’s is constantly offering attractive promotions to keep the excitement at a high pitch.  And the perfect ringmaster for all this innovation is Casey Eades, the Operating Partner of Fleming’s.

“We enjoy presenting memorable times at Fleming’s he declared.  If you’re here for a fine aged prime steak, we have lots of selections.  There are four Filet Mignons to choose from , all Prime to insure tenderness, all seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper and broiled at 1600 degrees to your preferred taste.”

An ideal way to taste the main menu is to go with selections from the “Small Plates, Big Pours” feature in the bar.  Seven delicious picks are matched with an oversized wine offering.  “We carefully choose a wine that pairs with the distinct flavor of each of our Small Plates,” Eades explained.  “The wines are oversized 9 ounce pours.  For example, the sliced Filet Mignon with Shitake Risotto, Chili Oil and Porcini Butter is paired with Talbot Pinot Noir 2010 from Santa Lucia Highlands, our most respected Central Coast Pinot. The pair is just $24.95.”

Other notable pairings included:  Wicked Cajon BBQ Shrimp with Dr. Loosen 2010 German Riesling, New Bedford Scallops with a Honey Glaze Vegetable Salad, paired with Kistler 2010 Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast and New Zealand Petite Lamb Chops and Polenta Fries, matched up with Meyer 2006 Syrah from Mendocino. These premium selections are available for a limited time in the bar, so check with Fleming’s.

I complimented Eades on his work with the Fleming’s 100, an award-winning list of 100 wines by the glass, way more choices than most restaurants offer.  With this amount of choice, both domestic and international, discovering a great wine at a value that will please, is an easy-to-do search.

Fleming’s First Fridays is drawing a buzz and hundreds of guests with its focus on the wine countries of the world.  Earlier this month it was Napa Valley and to open June, Eades has chosen Chilean Wines.  Twenty wines are featured along with tasting tips.  The date is June 1 from 5:30 to 7:30pm.  Cost is $25. per person.  Call in an RSVP at 858-535-0078.

Got a special occasion coming up?  Private Dining is your way to go at Fleming’s.  Whether it’s a five course dinner or a cocktail reception, visit the website for a look, menus and wine lists.  Visit www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com.

What TASTE OF WINE Readers are Saying
We always welcome comments from our growing number of readers, so please take a moment and let us know about wine and the column.  Here are just a few that I recently received:


“I’ve been enjoying your wine column for more than a year now, thanks for all the great wine stories and events. “ Martha Sodaro-Burke, Napa Valley, CA.


“Thanks for the article on Fort Ross, I can see you delved into the history of the area with many interesting facts.”  Linda Schwartz, Fort Ross, CA.


“Thanks for the article on the Wounded Veterans benefit wine. Thousands of American Veterans do too.”  Les Linkogle, Temecula, CA.


“Asia is booming. They honor strong work ethics. Other Banfi wines to watch: Rosa Regale, Cum Laude and Centine. Love that smile in your picture.”  John Mariani, Banfi Montalcino, IT.

“I’ve got a small vineyard and winery in Rancho Santa Fe  and grow Sangiovese, Cab and Cab Franc-260 vines.  If you want to do a little barrel tasting, let me know.”  Ron Gerevas, Rancho Santa Fe, CA.

Wine Bytes
The Chula Vista Nature Center brings us a Food and Wine Classic Sat. June 2 from 3 to 7pm.  With San Diego Bay in the background, food, wine/beer sampling, cooking demos, music and animal encounters should keep you entertained. $75. admission.  Call 619-409-5900.

Encinitas Rotary Wine Festival is Sat. June 2 from 5 to 8pm in the Children’s Garden area of the Botanical Garden in Encinitas.   Funds go to charities.  3 price levels:  $90., $135. and $500. Food and wine from area restaurants and wineries, music and auctions.  Details at 760-753-1977.

The Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival is Fri. June 1 thru Sun. June 3.  The big food/wine pairings are Sat. and Sun.  Call the Temecula Convis office for details & ticket info:  951-491-6085.

SDSU Extended Studies is planning a class on French Wines conducted by leading Advanced Sommelier Jesse Rodriguez starting Monday June 4 to June 18 from 6 to 9pm on campus.  Check out www.neverstoplearning.net.

North County Wine Company in San Marcos has a great tasting from Frank Family wines of Napa Valley, Fri. June 8 from 5 to 8pm. Cost is $15.  Call 760-744-2119 for varietals.