Fleming's Steakhouse
Gorgeous Steaks, Upbeat Interior and Award Winning Wines
With all the fierce competition among the many steakhouses these days, it can be tough to find a favorite restaurant that does your steak right without emptying your wallet. Some swear by Ruth's Chris or Arnie Morton's for the best steak, but most people prefer something a bit more affordable. At Fleming's, the idea of enjoying a delicious meal with friends and loved ones at reasonable prices in a fun environment is one of the reasons this nationwide restaurant has done so well. Luckily for Southern California, Fleming's has just opened up a new location in Woodland Hills, adjacent to Roy's on Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
This steakhouse veers away from the traditional mafia like dark interiors with large leather booths and dark wood that you would find the Godfather dining at. Instead, Fleming's opted for a modern makeover with its tangerine glowing ceiling lamps, colorful artwork, large murals, and rich honey stained wood. In 1998, Fleming's first opened in Newport Beach thanks to Paul Fleming and Bill Allen. Since then, all locations have earned numerous awards, including the coveted Wine Spectator magazine award for every location. The atmosphere stays alive with its vibrant shout of music that ebbs and flows with the size of the nightly crowd in the dining area. The upbeat interior also offers a good size bar, filled with people enjoying themselves while catching a sports game on the tube.
For xenophiles like myself, the "create your flight" trio option off their wine list is ingenious because it allows diners to try a variety of wines in finding the ones they like best. Offering over 100 wines by the glass, wine tasting at the table is easy - simply choose any three white or red wines for a two-ounce sampling. Some notable whites to try are the 2002 Maso Canali Pinto Grigio from Italy (light and soft bouquet with an air of pear and apples), 2002 Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma (stronger in flavor with a sweetness of floral honey without being overpowering), and 2003 Georges Duboeuf Pouilly (hint of Oak with a pleasant aftertaste that will suit any palate).
Fleming's is a steakhouse that offers a variety of creative dishes and unique options that others usually lack. The appetizer list ranges from favorites like Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Wicked Cajun Barbecue Shrimp, Baked Stuffed Field Artichokes, and more. The Sweet Chili Calamari with Red Peppers tossed with a sweet chili glaze has a citrus tang that helps keep this appetizer light and healthy. If you like oysters, the Pacific Oysters breaded in spicy panko break crumbs is mouth-watering. These crispy nuggets are served in their original oyster shells with lemon spinach aioli for dipping. Oysters are plump, soft, and juicy on the inside, while the outside remains slightly crunchy, to create a blend of texture and taste. One of their most popular items hard to find elsewhere is their signature Lobster and Vegetable Tempura with red jalapeno pepper and soy-ginger dipping sauces. Meaty lobster tails are deep fried in savory tempura batter conjuring up fresh and tender chunks of lobster beneath a light batter that has enough crunch to its bite.
If you want a healthier option, Fleming's has a great selection of salads as well. The Spinach and Portobello with red onion balsamic, pancetta, and breaded goat cheese croutons is made to please and the Fresh Mozzarella and Sweet Tomato salad with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and fresh basil keeps it simple and scrumptious. The next best thing besides the steaks are the fabulous selection of sides. Besides the standard but excellent baked, mashed, and shoestring potatoes and creamed corn or spinach, Fleming's has a Chipotle Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese that is to die for! This extra cheesy macaroni arrives with a golden breaded crust. The concoction is creamy from the folding blankets of melted cheddar that blends perfectly with the sautéed chipotle peppers. Thankfully, the peppers are not spicy and do not overpower the dish.
Fleming's has nightly specials on steaks and seafood, in addition to offering the prized Porterhouse for two, which is not on the menu, but available if you ask. Seafood entrees such as Wild Alaskan Salmon Filet, Tuna Mignon, Seared Scallops, Australian Lobster Tails, and Alaskan King Crab Legs are fresh daily. Fleming's also offers savory selections of veal chops, pork chops, Australian lamb chops, and chicken. It's specialty being steaks, all of Fleming's beef is USDA prime, corn fed, and aged up to four weeks to capture flavor and maximize texture. Everything is hand-cut daily so freshness is guaranteed. Steaks are broiled at 1600 degrees to seal in natural juices and flavors.
A great steak calls for a superb red wine. The Torii Mar Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley is bright with a fruity young bouquet. Roessler Cellars is also an excellent choice for a Pinot. A medium-full bodied 2000 Chateau de Cruzeau Bordeaux complemented well with the meat without drowning out its flavor. Fleming's offers Ribeye and New York Strips with or without the bone. The hearty twelve-ounce filet mignon arrived with a grilled outer crust and my request for medium rare was met with perfection as I carved apart the warm red center revealing a noticeable layer of controlled wellness from the grilled exterior to the rosy interior. Each bite, with all its natural flavors, was extremely tender as a filet should be. Fleming's has high quality beef and extremely good cuts.
Rich and decadent desserts range from crème brulee to an assortment of chocolate bites. The Walnut Turtle pie is a slice of whole pecans and walnuts encrusted in a chocolate shell and peanut butter crust. Its center oozes out warm and creamy dark chocolate that is sweet to the tooth.
If you want a memorable experience with great food and award winning wine that is not overly expensive, make this a date. Fleming's is a very fun place to be!
For reservations, call 818-346-1005 or visit them online at flemingssteakhouse.com.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
6373 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 346-1005
flemingssteakhouse.com
