Beef and Booze Delight on a Hot Summer Night

Steak and sangria. Sort of like Sinatra and the standards, and with just as much flavor. I enjoyed a combination of the former at Fleming's recently, which had me humming a few soulful bars myself.

My friend Dee and I started with an island-inspired South Seas Sangria, made with Viñedos Terranoble Sauvignon Blanc, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, and Peach Schnapps with fresh peaches, honeydew melon, oranges, and lemons.

A refreshing, light summer salad of butter lettuce and pear was tossed with with goat cheese, candied walnuts, crispy onions, and a lemon vinaigrette. 

  Then came the moment we had been waiting for...the most tender Prime New York Strip, courtesy of Chef Dave, arrived at the table with a sweet and spicy rub, topped with a savory tomato and roasted red pepper butter with chopped marcona almonds, and served with a side of summer zucchini slaw. Our inner cavewomen were delighted. 

Our knowledgeable sommelier Greg suggested a wine to enjoy with our steaks, and we weren't disappointed. As an avowed lover of French Rhone reds, I was like a kid in a candy store when a bottle of 2005 Summerland Trio arrived at the table. This Santa Barbara County combo of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre was smooth and smoky, with dark cherry and a little mocha tease on the finish.

We almost didn't have room for a most decadent peach cobbler, topped with a brown sugar oat streusel and vanilla ice cream...but our tummies somehow accomodated this sweet end to a most perfect evening...

For a complete schedule of Fleming's Summer Lovin’ Steak & Sangria prix fixe dinners, visit:
www.flemingssteakhouse.com

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