Back to Our Old Roots

Last night after going to my husband's grandmother's apartment in Manhattan for a little cocktail reception, we stopped at Fleming's in Edgewater on our way back home.  When my husband and I lived in Northern Jersey, Fleming's used to be our go-to place for a good non-Italian meal.  When we were in the mood for a good steak and potatoes type dinner, we would go to Fleming's.  Back then too, Fleming's used to have these amazing garlic crusted crostinis with a champagne infused brie or cabernet infused gorgonzola spread that were simply awesome.  We used to ask for three or four refills of this starter course.  They have since done away with them and replaced them with a garlic bread.  While the garlic bread is good, it just isn't the same as those crostinis.  I emailed Fleming's for the recipe at our point to attempt to make them on my own. While they were good, they were just the same.  I guess it follows the saying that all good things must come to an end.

I have to preface my review of Fleming's last night with a little caveat.  I just wasn't feeling like myself last night.  I had gone on a long run in the morning (prepping for the Long Branch Half Marathon in two weeks) and hadn't really gotten a chance to recover during the day.  I was a little achy and tired and had a bit of a headache.  So I might have been a little pickier than usual.  Alas, last night Fleming's just wasn't up to snuff.  I think the best part of my meal was the garlic bread and the french fries.  My Caesar salad was really small.  I wonder whether the smaller portion is an attempt to save money.  My husband and I used to split the salad, and there was always some left over.  Last night, I finished and still wanted more.  The lobster sauce for my scallops tasted a little off.  It was runnier than I remember and tasted a little bland.  I had a glass of a South African Sauvignon Blanc which was nice.  My husband though did enjoy his dinner especially compared to the other steakhouses we've been to recently.  Fleming's is his favorite chain steakhouse.  He had the petite filet and baked potato.  We passed on dessert since it was really late at that point, and we just wanted to get home.  I wonder if living in Central Jersey and being exposed to more fresh seafood is why my dinner last night was just the same.  I wonder if I had had steak too if I would have the same experience as my husband.  Next time, I'll give it a try.