Fleming's in Chicago - Good Thing We Got the Signature Glasses(Actually Glass Since One Was Broken) (Chicago Restaurant Review No. 79)

Lisa received an ad for free signature wine glasses for the grand opening celebration of the Fleming's outpost in downtown Chicago. We decided to give Fleming's another try, even though we hadn't really liked the branch in Libertyville. Unfortunately, the trend continued, although this one was marginally better.

We did get the glasses, right at the start, but we later noticed one was broken. That was sort of in keeping with the tenor of the night.

We started with a bottle of Bella Vetta Zinfandel. Actually this was one of the highlights of the meal, since it was quite good. Another highlight was the seafood tower, which consisted of shrimp, lobster, crab legs, crabmeat and ceviche. Unlike when we had this dish at the suburban Fleming's, where we sat outside and this dish attracted megabugs, here there were no bugs, so we could enjoy it. The seafood tower was very good, particularly the shrimp and lobster. They also served a good relish tray, with tasty celery and radishes and good dipping choices.

However, things pretty much went downhill (quickly) from there. Steve's wedge salad was bad. Even the bleu cheese dressing, which he usually loves, was putrid. Lisa's clam chowder was not much better. It was ok, but quite bland. Our entrees totally disappointed. Steve had the bone-in New York steak. It came medium well instead of medium rare, and had the shoe leather quality one would associate with overcooked meat. Lisa's lobster and filet combination was also poor. The lobster was fishy(unlike on the appetizer platter) so she hardly touched it. And, like Steve's, the beef was overcooked and tasted blah.

We also were not thrilled with our desserts. Steve's lemon cheesecake tasted store bought. And Lisa's chocolate lava cake was not nearly dark enough for her tastes, and had little flavor.

The bathrooms weren't very good either. While clean, they were freezing cold, and it wasn't even that cold outside.

All in all, this is a steak place which, in our opinion, can be skipped. The decor is sterile and uninteresting, the food is overpriced and mediocre, and the service was somewhat harried and unfriendly. The total bill, with a bottle of wine was a very high $300, and still would have been well over $200 with wine by the glass. Save your money.

Our ratings for Fleming's, 25 E. Ohio St., Chicago

5 of 10 Steak Knives (being charitable); 2 of 3 Bathroom Brushes