Fleming's: A Little Disappointing (Chicago-Area Restaurant Review 15)

We hadn't been to a steakhouse in the Chicago area in a while, so we decided to try the outdoor patio at Fleming's in Lincolnshire, despite the bug battalion that attacked last time we ate outside. While there are many aspects of this restaurant that are enjoyable, overall, it is only an average experience.

The meal started with a complimentary relish tray with celery, toast, and two spreads, which was good. We wanted to try something slightly different for an appetizer, so we ordered the seafood tower. It sounded great, since it included lobster, shrimp, crab legs and claws, and calamari ceviche. (Though neither of us really wanted the calamari.) This was definitely a dish that sounded better in theory. In our opinion, the lobster lacked any flavor, the shrimp tasted fishy, the cocktail sauce was overpowering (and tasted a little like barbecue), and the crab legs were mediocre, although the crab claws were good. Not only that, the seafood apparently attracted our buggy friends.

The next course was better. Steve enjoyed his wedge salad, with no prune-like atrocities (see our review of Frankie's). Lisa had mozarella, which was very fresh, with tiny cherry tomatoes that were slightly sweet and tasted wonderful. Unfortunately, Fleming's main courses left something to be desired (mainly taste). Lisa's bone-in ribeye was unusually fatty, which Lisa particularly doesn't like, and wasn't very tasty. Steve ordered the bone-in New York strip. Steve usually doesn't order this cut of steak, with good reason, but he wanted to try something different. He regretted it. The steak had absolutely no flavor, in Steve's taste buds' opinion.

Dessert at Fleming's was better than the main course, but not great. Lisa had a chocolate lava cake. It was average-tasting. The warm chocolate center was only luke warm and the chocolate was not very strong. Steve had berry cobbler with vanilla ice cream, which he liked, but which was nothing out of the ordinary.

The wine, on the other hand, was very good. Fleming's has an extensive wine list, both by the glass and the bottle. We ordered St. Francis Zinfandel, which was a perfect accompaniment to both the fish and the red meat, as it was somewhat light and fruity, but not too sweet. It's too bad the meat and seafood didn't measure up to the wine.

The bugs did seem to enjoy the meal, and Steve once again vowed not to eat outside. He changed his mind immediately when the waitress (who was really good if a little theatrical) told us a new Fleming's is opening downtown and will have rooftop dining. While we might not go to Fleming's, we are considering trying a rooftop dinner in the city in the hope that the bugs will be busy in the suburbs where there is more foliage and less smog.

The total price (with a really good tip for the Thespian) was about $250 with a bottle of wine. With wine by the glass, it would have been about $180.

By far the best part of Fleming's was the bathrooms. Both Lisa and Steve found them to be extremely clean and nicely decorated, with cloth towels on the counter (so no need to fight the towel dispenser) and a garbage can near the door so a towel can be used to open it on exiting. The women's room had stalls that were more like small rooms, and also were very clean.

Our rating for Fleming's, 960 Milwaukee Ave, Lincolnshire, Illinois:

6 of 10 Steak Knives, 3 of 3 Bathroom Brushes, 4 of 5 Bug Zappers (remind us we are not eating outside again -- except for rooftops and whenever Steve forgets his vow)