Fleming's Steakhouse, El Segundo, CA

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
2301 Rosecrans Ave, El Segundo, CA
310-643-6911
http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/
Locations throughout Southern California and the US.
Valet parking in front; free self parking behind the restaurant in the structure.
Higher end. Option of black napkin, if preferred. Full bar. Can be dark inside.

Visited: Numerous times, Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: December 2009


We've been to Fleming's several times at this location, and every time except once, the service has been exceptional. The food has always been scrumptious. Entrees and sides are ordered separately, and sides are definitely large enough to share. Due to the pricepoint, this usually a special occasion restaurant.

Our favorite salads are the Fresh Mozzarella and Sweet Tomato - a classic Caprese served with fresh basil leaves, balsamic, and olive oil. And the Fleming's Salad is a real treat - greens, dried cranberries, grape tomatoes, croutons and candied walnuts in a light vinaigrette. They used to have a Warm Spinach Mushroom Salad which was velvety good; still hoping they'll bring that back.

Our favorite meats are the Filet Mignon and Prime Ribeye. The Seared Scallops, while tasty, were a bit disappointing in their size compared with the quality of the other entrees.

On Sundays, they have a special dinner menu of Prime Rib served au jus and with two additional sauces. The dinner starts with a choice of The Wedge, Fleming's or Caesar Salad, one side dish and dessert. A great piece of meat, and a great value for the set menu.

They also have seasonal prix fixe menus which have been very tasty.

Be sure to listen to specials. Some notable items have been the Bone-In Filet Mignon - an amazing piece of meat that is cooked well and literally fork tender. Also tasty was the Macadamia-Crusted Chilean Sea Bass served with asparagus. Often there is a Mixed Grill special - meats or surf and turf that sound tasty.

Our favorite sides are the Fleming's Potatoes - scallopped potatoes with jalapeno and topped with cheddar cheese and the Chipotle Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese - with a nice little kick. The thick tower of Onion Rings is also good, but a lot of onion rings. The Grilled Asparagus, Sauteed Mushrooms, and Creamed Spinach are also tasty.

For dessert, the Chocolate Lava Cake is very good and requires a pre-order during your entree. The Creme Brulee is also a nice finish to the evening if you have room.

They also have an extensive collection of wines and aged Scotches.

Cafe Iberico, Chicago, IL

Cafe Iberico
739 N. La Salle Dr., Chicago, IL 60610
312-573-1510
http://www.cafeiberico.com
Casual nice. Large dining room plus deli. Full bar.

Visited: many times over the years

Ah yes, I have spent many a hour here in this wonderful Spanish tapas bar! It's a large restaurant, but also very popular so it can be crowded in the evenings (starting at happy hour) and weekends.

There are many yummy things on the menu - it's quite extensive. Below are a few of my favorites that I like to start with. The larger your group, the more fun things you can try.

Patatas Bravas ($5.50): chunks of potates in a spicy tomato sauce. The potatoes just melt when you eat them.

Champiñones a la Plancha ($5.50): mm, these are grilled mushrooms with garlic and olive oil. Each little mushroom is like a little bit of heaven.

Queso de Cabra ($7.50): a warm little dish of soft goat cheese covered in a fresh tomato basil sauce - perfect for spreading onto bread.

Particularly good fun is the Sangria available in red or white. We always got the red. There's plenty of fruit to have for dessert right in your drink.

They also have a deli area with a selection of hams, cheeses, empanadas, and other goodies to go.

Ahh, what fun!
--T