Romantic Getaways by Connie

Elate Restaurant – Seize the moment for an intimate dinner!

Posted on May 1, 2012 by admin

Elate

Elate is sharp and oh so “au courant”, located on 111 West Huron Street connected to the boutique Hotel Felix. My hubby and I enjoyed our introductory dinner and found Elate to be a very stylish and intimate space. The interior is sophisticated and sharp with a decidedly “green” theme that is achieved with rustic recycled touches, distressed concrete floors, blue and brown tones and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the bustling Chicago streets. This is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two as the noise level is such that you can carry on a conversation with ease and it is intimate in a way that not many restaurants can pull off these days.

Let me start with the drink menu, it offers some fun and unique drinks that are really intriguing: The Chocolate Thief, Jalapeno Strawberry Caiporoska and Dark & Stormy to name a few. Elate’s menu features small plate and large plate options which encourages you to try more and share more. They have several great flatbreads and my favorite was “Fig & Asian Pear” that was lusciously loaded with goat cheese/arugula/spiced walnuts/sweet onion cream and sesame. Their “Salsiccia” flatbread with sausage/giardinera/mozzarella came in a very close second. While I am not usually one to rave about mussels, I am now! At least Elate’s mussels, oh boy. They were scrumptious and I couldn’t stop reaching for more. Don’t miss them – it is a must here!

Fig & Asian Pear Flatbread

Andrew Fiore, owner, insisted if we hadn’t yet tried the Octopus Confit that we just had to, as it was one of his favs. Ok, he had me there, we did and they were equally delicious. Did I mention that the staff here is enthusiastic, very polished and skilled? They are.

Moving on to the Amish Chicken covered in san simon fondue (Spanish smoked cow’s milk cheese -with a delicious, creamy buttery texture) that was bursting with flavor from tasso roulade (smoked pork) and served with corn bread. If you usually avoid dishes with white meat chicken, no worries here, there wasn’t a dry bite to be found. It was very moist! Executive Chef Michael Noll sure knows how to create dishes that are loaded with exciting flavor; you won’t find any drab fare here. Back to the drink menu we both decided on “Black Gold” a coffee after dinner drink that was excellent!

Amish Chicken

The music that is offered on Thursday evenings was an unexpected and nice touch. A hip trio of three was tucked into the corner and they were all we needed. Sipping on wonderful Canneleti Prosecco in their mellow dining room with candle lit tables and views of Chicagoans hustling by, this was the perfect cozy after dinner “ahhhhh”.

They serve breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner daily. In the warmer weather outdoor seating is a fun option too. Now that we have glanced at the Breakfast/Brunch menu, we just have to come back for brunch and try their Banana Custard French Toast. It sounds heavenly especially with the bottomless mimosas! We just have to.

Banana Custard French Toast

Posted in Date Night, Restaurants, Romantic Dining | Tagged fine dining, intimate, Romantic | Leave a comment

Toast The Sunset!

Posted on March 8, 2012 by admin

Michigan Sunset

Ahh beautiful sunsets, we all love them! They are romantic and inspire love songs, paintings and poems. What makes some sunsets more spectactular than others? We’ve all probably heard that pollution and or dust is responsible for beautiful sunsets. Not a pretty thought right? However the truth is that tropospheric aerosols (tiny liquid and solid particles) — especially when present in abundance — do not enhance sky colors — they subdue them. Clean air is, in fact, the main ingredient common to brightly colored sunrises and sunsets. Oh good!

Because air circulation is more sluggish during the summer and because the formation of smog and haze proceed most rapidly at that time of year, late fall and winter are the most favored times for sunset-viewing over most of the United States. Pollution climatology also largely explains why the deserts and tropics are noted for their twilight hues: air pollution in these regions is, by comparison, minimal. Although the twilight sky is beautiful when it is devoid of clouds, the most memorable sunsets tend to be those with at least a few clouds. Clouds catch the last red-orange rays of the setting sun and the first light of the dawn. But certain types of clouds are more closely associated with eye-catching sunsets than others. To produce vivid sunset colors, a cloud must be high enough to intercept light that has not lost color by passing through the atmospheric boundary layer. This explains why spectacular shades of scarlet, orange and red often grace cirrus and altocumulus layers, but only rarely low clouds such as stratus or stratocumulus. When low clouds do take on vivid hues as they often do over the open ocean in the tropics, it is a clue that the lower atmosphere is very clean and therefore more transparent than usual. Some of the most beautiful sunsets feature solid decks of middle or high clouds that cover the entire sky except for a narrow clear strip near the horizon. Passing jet streams mark zones of transition between west-to-east moving regions of atmospheric ascent (cloud cover) and descent (clear skies). When viewed at sunrise, a sky of this type implies that the weather is likely to deteriorate as the mid- and upper-level moisture continues eastward. Hence the saying “Red sky at night, traveler’s delight; Red sky in morning, traveler take warning.”

And of course your location has something to add or subtract from your sunset view; buildings, hills, trees etc can all hide the sunset! I’m sure if you are like me you can never look at too many beautiful sunsets. My cousin, Bill Emery, captures magical sunsets up in Michigan and thankfully shares them with me. I’m going to share them with you here. Bill also supplied the beautiful sunset on the heading of these website pages. (Bill’s photography speaks for itself!) Take a deep breath, relax and share these sunsets with someone special. And plan where you are going to catch your next romantic sunset with your loved one whether it is at dinner, on a cruise, road trip, or fun camping trip. Let your imaginations go wild and drift off into the sunset together. Oh, and don’t forget the Champagne!

Posted in Champagne, Date Night, Getaways, Romantic Dining, Romantic Ideas, Sunsets | Tagged champagne, dates, Romantic, sunsets | Leave a comment

Fleming’s – Always Fine Tuning!

Posted on March 4, 2012 by admin

Baked Brie

Lobster Mac & Cheese

Back for more fine dining and at one of our favorite steak house restaurants: Fleming’s in Chicago. It is never too soon to return for more of their astonishing dishes. Fleming’s Chef Partner, Jerl Griffin in Chicago, keeps things exciting by refreshing their menu with blast from the past appetizers such as Baked Brie in Puff Pastry and new appetizers like Braised Short Ribs of Beef. The Baked Brie is topped with apple chutney, wrapped in a light pastry, baked and served with candied walnuts and fresh slices of Gala apples. I really enjoyed this classic appetizer that seemed reborn with the apple chutney and candied walnuts. The braised short ribs of beef just melted in our mouths! With Lent upon us it was the perfect time to try their new entrée of Shrimp Scampi that was drizzled with lemon-butter sauce and served with summer squash vermicelli pasta. My husband Bob is a devoted Fleming’s steak guy and loved his Sliced Filet Mignon. Fleming’s has quite a few enticing side dishes on their menu. Did you know that Fleming’s offers a Lobster Mac and Cheese side? It is a wonderful stick-to-your-ribs side dish that they offer in winter months only. It was an amazing and sumptuous twist on an old time favorite and I recommend you share this.

Chocolate Lava Cake

Let’s not forget dessert, and we didn’t. My husband isn’t one that loves nuts, but does love Carrot Cake. Fleming’s Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting is a perfect fit for him because they substitute the nuts with pineapple and drizzle it with dark rum caramel; it is a clear winner. One of my favs is their Chocolate Lava Cake with chopped pistachios, vanilla ice cream cookie bowl and chantilly cream. You know what they say – there is always room for dessert!

Flemings Prime Burger

Fleming’s never lets up in its effort to make an impression on you with their innovative menus and new ideas. A case in point, they now offer a unique bar menu called “5 for $6 ‘Til 7″ that enables you to pick one of five wines or 5 cocktails, 5 appetizers or prime burger at the price of $6 each from 5-7 pm. A great savings and fun option if you are looking for a different dining experience at one of their romantic bars either in Lincolnshire or downtown Chicago. (Hours and offerings subject to change in compliance with local or state liquor laws.)

Connie & Chef Jerl

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Benny’s Chop House – We’ll be back!

Posted on February 24, 2012 by admin

Booth 41

I recently enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at Benny’s Chop House and had the pleasure of meeting Executive Chef Jonathan Lane and Mitchell Schmieding, Director of Operations. Mitchell’s career includes famous venues such as Charlie Trotter’s and other fine restaurants worldwide. Under Mitchell’s enthusiastic direction Benny’s offers the perfect sense of service and style. Jonathan is an accomplished chef that has worked all over the world at acclaimed restaurants, but nonetheless has retained his authentic “western Kansas country” self. He is a passionate believer in using the best ingredients possible and gets everything from his eggs to vegetables from local suppliers. Benny’s steaks are all USDA Certified Prime. If you are looking for a majestic steak, look no further. Their fish is ordered fresh for next day delivery and under strict Safe Harbor standards for your safety. They even make their own bacon, huge thick slices that are out-of-this-world and I considered myself lucky to have tried it. The bacon is served as a side, but it is so impressive that it is far more than just a filler! Yummy! Check out this video of Jonathan on NBC to see him demonstrating how he makes their signature Blue Cheese Croquettes. http://www.nbcchicago.com/shows/nonstop/Foodies_Chicago__Benny_s_Chophouse_Chicago-119861364.html

USDA Prime Filet Mignon

Benny’s is named after the owner Benny Siddu, who also happens to own and run another one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago – Volare Ristorante.

Milk Chocolate S'Mores

Not many steak houses of this size have their own pastry chef, but Benny’s does. Aaron Lindgren is that guy and I met him and also sampled his tantalizing and decadent desserts. His S’mores Cheese Cake is fab and I felt like I had just bit into a campfire-roasted marshmallow that sits on top of this exciting desert! The Banana cream Pie is to-die-for; don’t tell my mother I said that! There are so many other possibilities that it is just fun to consider them. Even their breadbasket isn’t ordinary, it’s an experience. I tried to behave, but couldn’t resist trying all the amazing breads in that basket! So many different types and all scrumptious, I just kept saying, “Wow, try this one!”

Benny's Bar & Lounge

When it comes time to order your wine, be advised that this is no small task. To say that Benny’s wine list is daunting is a huge understatement. Their outstanding wine list features over 1000 labels and James Rahn, the Beverage Director, will be more than happy to help you select the perfect bottle for your taste and price range. (Ask him about Benny’s Wine Locker option.) The decor and ambience of Benny’s interior is exquisite from the moment you walk in. Everything is flawlessly done up with opulent woodwork, textures, art (all artwork featured is that of Matt Lamb) and exotic light fixtures. The dark carpet keeps the noise at bay in the dining rooms, and seating is arranged so the kitchen doors are not a sight you have to worry about when seated at your table. Booth 41 is the booth you want to reserve for your romantic meal. It’s location and high surrounding walls ensures you and your honey are nestled in for a romantic and intimate evening. Enter this romantic restaurant once and you’re an immediate “regular” because you will want to repeat this experience again and again. Benny’s entertains you with live jazz music in their Lounge/Bar Wednesday thru Saturday. I had the pleasure of listening to pianist Fred Simon last Wednesday evening and he dazzled us with a wonderful repertoire that struck me and made me think, “How did he know exactly what we wanted to hear?” It was exactly the kind of music and ambience my husband and I have been searching for, for some time now. Simon will be playing there every Wednesday in March. You can check out the rest of their entertainment schedule for each month on their website. Needless to say, we will be back for countless romantic dinners and the entertainment. Oh, and on you’re way out the door grab one of their lovely handmade cinnamon lollipops, a great alternative to the old standby peppermint.

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A Romantic Adventure at Pavilion Restaurant

Posted on February 20, 2012 by admin

Caprese Tower

100 McHenry Road
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
847-465-1440

577 Waukegan Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
847-715-9445

Pavilion Restaurant in Buffalo Grove is located right next to the Buffalo Grove Movie Theater. My husband and I were out for our Wednesday night date night which tonight was going to consist of dinner and a movie. We had seen the Pavilion Restaurant several other nights when we were there to catch a quick movie, but had never had time to venture in and check it out. Tonight we decided we had time and it doesn’t get more convenient than this, dinner right next to the show. Talk about location!

So we ventured in and found Pavilion Restaurant appealing and pleasantly intimate. The inside is cozy and the tables were dressed in black tablecloths with candles on the tables to make it more romantic. There is a sleek little bar that I will keep in mind for those nights when we just want to catch the game and have a drink while we do it. The background music was a nice touch of moody jazz that I prefer to loud noise. The deal that evening was a great special for two – $45.99 that included an appetizer, entree and dessert for two. We decided to take advantage of that deal; it sounded perfect for us.

The appetizer selection was delightful and we chose their Caprese Tower that is stacked red tomatoes and mozzarella slices with fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic reduction. It was fantastic and so artistically presented. We both chose the Citrus Glazed Salmon and it was heavenly. You have a choice of sides and I ordered grilled tomatoes, grilled peppers and grilled asparagus that was lusciously grilled to perfection and just a tad crunchy. Following the impressive entrees were the equally impressive desserts and we enjoyed the Cappuccino Cheesecake that was light and so creamy. This hidden gem of a restaurant is intimate, charming and their excellent food is served with amazing flair. Who knew this was here? We didn’t, but we are glad we found it! Pavilion also has an intriguing late night menu for those of you who want to enjoy a late happy hour!

Pavilion recently added a Sunday Champagne and Mimosa Brunch Buffet that is only offered at the Northbrook location. Their delicious brunch serves an astonishing array of plenty of seafood: shrimp, salmon, crabmeat, seafood salads, and sushi. A large selection of meats: beef kabobs, prime rib, chicken kabobs, and chicken salad. Breakfast selections of eggs of every kind, pancakes, waffles, blintzes, fruits, cheeses and a decadent dessert table.

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Valentine’s Day for Romantics

Posted on February 3, 2012 by admin

It is almost Valentine’s Day. If you are still wondering what to get your sweet one, don’t put if off until the last minute. There are a lot of things you can do and they don’t all revolve around a heart shaped box of chocolate candy. Most women and men are in cut back mode after the holidays and while they love the stuff, you’re not doing them a favor. I still believe in Valentine’s Day cards. It shows you took the time to stand there and read through all of the corny sayings and found one that actually fits. There are a lot of horrible cards, but if you look long enough you will come up with one that means something. You don’t have to spend the $4 – $5 or more that they are going for these days! Try the dollar stores, I have found that they have some decent cards and great wrapping paper, bows, gift bags etc. so you have more money to spend on something significant.

Now what would be something significant? I think flowers are still romantic and I love red roses. I think most women still smile at that bouquet of flowers. Home baked gifts are always welcome; my husband would never turn down a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Never! Dinner out is good and dinner you made yourself is even better. Set a pretty table, hang some red hearts above it, light some candles, soft music and voilà it is a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. Make it even more special by sending a Valentine’s Dinner invitation beforehand. Are you musically talented? Why not write her a song? Plan a picnic, take her somewhere special to eat it. Even if that special place is your bedroom and the path is paved by rose petals, and candles are lit in advance. Yes, we’ve all heard that idea before, but I wouldn’t mind it. Would you? Massage anyone? Are you good at massaging her/his aching back? Why not mix it up with some champagne, candles, massage oils and some chocolate covered strawberries. Mmmmm. Why not start the day right with breakfast in bed? Mimosa’s, your famous omelet, muffins you made fresh or eggs McMuffin style. Set a bed tray with a single fresh rose and have your Valentine’s Day card ready too. There are so many creative things you can make that won’t break the bank. Do you have photos or video of the two of you? Make a movie and name it appropriately. Start the day with a card you made yourself, keep sending hearts all day long to keep the theme going. In the way of a cookie, donut, balloons, cake for dessert after dinner, a t-shirt with a heart or red lingerie! Whatever you do is going to be appreciated because you thought to do it and carried it out. We all like to be thought of and that is what Valentine’s Day is all about expressing your love for each other.

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Cité in Chicago with Unrivaled Views

Posted on January 21, 2012 by admin

Cité

For the ultimate romantic dinner with the most romantic view of the Chicago skyline, you must go to Cité located on 70th floor of Lake Point Towers. We were welcomed by Amir and immediately escorted into the romantic and dimly lit dining room. We were in luck because it was a clear cold evening which provided a fabulously crystal clear view of Chicago. The sparkling lights of the city along with beautiful candles on the tables and special lighting along the ceilings was truely breathtaking. Our table was delightfully set with china with a “C” for Cité, extremely cozy and intimate just for two.

Chicago's Skyline

Romantic Table at Cité

Amir and Manuel were a very efficient team and they attended to our every need. The wonderful selection of fresh breads that were served immediately were a welcome touch. The complimentary Foie Gras was elegantly presented and served with impecable style. We both decided on Escargot and it was so scrumptious that we couldn’t resist guiltlessly dipping our bread into the garlic herbed butter sauce. We both ordered the Lobster Bisque and it was heavenly with a peppery aftertaste that I found amazing. Next we were presented with a refreshing apple cider sorbet between courses to cleanse our palates before our entrees were served. Again – the view during this romantic meal was just heart stopping! I ordered a Filet Mignon with a Crabmeat Oscar side for my entree and Bob ordered the Duo of Lamb. Both were excellent. For our dessert we chose Bananas Foster that was prepared tableside. The flaming Banana Liqueur and Rum was decadent and visually fun and the perfect ending to our romantic dinner rendezvous!

Of course this isn’t a venue where you are going to spend less, but you know that going in. This sophisticated and elegant restaurant with a unrivaled view, and fine decadent menu translates into a wonderful romantic experience you won’t forget. Most of the tables are window tables to maximize the view and provide you with the most romantic dining experience. A perfect place to pop the question or celebrate a special anniversary! There is an air of seduction here, and an overwhelming feeling of romance. The only problem with this evening was that it had to end eventually. Now we had to brave the cold Chicago evening again, but at least we had the memory of our wonderfully romantic dinner together! See more about Cité.

Romance at Cité

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A Date Night at Francesca’s Tavola

Posted on January 9, 2012 by admin

Francesca's Exterior

A Booth at Francesca's

Our Wednesday date night (our weekly romantic getaway no matter what) was an evening at Francesca’s Tavola Restaurant, located in downtown Arlington Heights. We were seated at a booth that was cozy and separate from other tables. It was set with a crisp white tablecloth and folded linen napkins, and the candle was a perfect touch. The waitress, Ranka, a self proclaimed “foodie”, was fun and very informative because she knew what was perect for us as we disscussed the menu and specials. I started with the lucious Lobster bisque that was to-die-for-creamy and full of lobster chunks. My husband ordered the “sauteed” calamari that was not exactly mentioned on the menu, but Ranka suggested we could order it when he told her we loved grilled calamari not fried. She stated that their seafood arrives fresh daily, allowing them to prepare it to order. It was served with spinach, tomatoes, lemon, capers and a sauce that kept on giving. Did I mention that the fresh bread, parmesan cheese and oil served immediately allowed us to keep enjoying that sauce? Yes, it was Bob’s, but he graciously let me enjoy some of his calamari too! (You have to love a waitress like that, she knew the menu and could suggest tasty options and it was unbelievably fab just as she said it would be!) Oh, and were we in luck that our “date night” is Wednesday because every Wednesday night at Francesca’s there is a prefix three course menu that includes a soup, appeitzer or salad, an entree and a dessert for less than some of the entrees are priced! The deals aren’t limited to Wednesdays because Ranka also informed us that Mondays they feature 1/2 priced bottles of wine (the wine list is more than sufficient here) and on Friday’s they offer $5 Martinis – a very popular night in the their very nice bar.

Francesca's Dining Room

Francesca's Bar

The entree options are plentiful with pizza, pastas, a great fish selection and varied beef and chicken dishes. I finally decided on the Roasted Veal Medallions that were served with creamy herb polenta, wild mushrooms, scallions, garlic, fresh tomatoes and herbs. The veal was very tender and even though I have never been a big fan of polenta, their version I actually really enjoyed and I managed to eat a little more bread because I couldn’t let that sauce go to waste! Bob ordered the Pork Chop special and they were monster sized, cooked to perfection along with yet another great sauce. Oh no, more bread! There was still another course ahead of us. We looked at each other and immediately agreed that we better pace ourselves. Normally dessert is not something I dread mind you – I love dessert – I just need somewhere to put it!

Moving onto the 3rd course in our prefix dinner to the huge desserts that are more than you can possibly eat – but somehow we managed to eat them anyway. I thoroughly enjoyed the pistachio gelato filled profiterole’s that are heavily drizzled with chocolate sauce. My husband ordered the special cappuchino delight – a beautifully presented chocolate (edible) cup filled with cake soaked with espresso.

Our dinner at Francesca’s was a romantic evening with exceptional food and service. My recommendation for your date night is to request a booth for more intimacy as this is a popular restaurant, and mention you would like a candle! And you will want to come hungry with ample appetite.

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A Dress or not a dress, that is the question.

Posted on December 5, 2011 by admin

Bebe Dress

Most men shudder to think about picking out a dress for the woman in their life. But, what if he could pick out a dress for you, would you love it and want to wear it? Does your husband or boyfriend know what kind of dress you think you look good in? Does he want to see you in a sexy new dress? Does he even know your size? What length you wear, what your favorite color is, what colors you look good in? What about the shoes you would wear with it? Or even better, does he know what size shoe you wear? Wouldn’t it be exciting if he did? Wouldn’t you feel like the luckiest woman on the planet? It isn’t as far fetched an idea as you think. I happen to have a man that has bought dresses for me, rare maybe, but I do feel lucky. Are you willing to teach him how to do this, would you even want him to? Some women say “yes”, and some clearly “not”!

I decided to ask quite a few men if they prefer to see a woman in a dress. The number one answer was clearly “Yes!” This was almost immediately followed with “Don’t forget the heels!” So you may not give it much thought, but they do like to see your legs.

So why not inform them: what size you wear, what color is your favorite, how long a dress you prefer, what styles you like and what will you not wear. How high a heel do you prefer, closed toe or open and again what you will not wear. Tell him you are going shopping and want him to come along for his opinion; it will be a lesson for him in what you like and also for you to learn what he would like to see you in. Of course you can both compromise and together come up with something you feel good in, and something he is excited to see you in! After that, take him shoe shopping to pick out the shoes together. Make sure he takes notes and writes down your sizes, favorite colors on you etc. Next time he can go shopping without you and surprise you, oh and don’t forget to encourage him to do just that. Give him the “go ahead” and maybe he will surprise you, not only with the outfit but a romantic dinner that you are going to wear it to. Happy shopping!! And don’t forget to order the champagne! Check out more Bebe dresses here.

Champagne quote for today: “Champagne is the only wine that leaves a woman beautiful after drinking it.” – Madame De Pompadour

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Fleming’s New Small Plates; A Fine Dining Adventure

Posted on November 10, 2011 by admin

Filet Mignon Skewers

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has a new exciting addition to their menu. “Small Plates” are a new smaller-portion option that may be ordered as an appetizer, or as a romantic tasting adventure to share. My husband and I thought this sounded like a new fun dining experience, and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint.

New Zealand Petite Lamb Chops

There are seven Small Plate options and they all sounded wonderful, so we dug in. I ordered the Filet Mignon Skewers which was served with a gorgonzola-bacon fondue, and a mozzarella and sweet tomato side salad. The first thing I want to report is the artistic presentation of these small plates; each plate is a work of art. My Filet was so tender and juicy, and when dipped in the gorgonzola-bacon fondue is even more amazing. In my opinion, Fleming’s Filets are always the best anyway, but this small plate was bursting with exciting flavors. The side mozzarella and sweet tomato salad was so phenomenal, I couldn’t stop telling my husband to “try this!” Even though the portions are small, each bite is bursting with intense flavor. My husband ordered the New Zealand Petite Lamb Chops and was very impressed with them. So impressed in fact, that it was hard to get him to stop and try my filet! But once I tasted the Lamb Chops I discovered that they were equally fabulous. They were served on top of a pistachio-mint pesto with an “F17″ sauce and polenta fries. The “F17″ sauce is a Fleming’s concoction that has 17 secret ingredients. Who cares what they are, it provides the perfect kick to the lamb. Good thing we were sharing, thanks Honey!

Fleming's Lobster Tempura

After sampling two small plates, we had a decision to make – try more or order desert? There were still five more Small Plate options on the menu. So, we decided to forego Fleming’s addicting and decadent desserts so we could keep tasting these wonderful Small Plate options. (If you know me, this was not an easy decision to make because I love dessert. Plus, would I still fit in my “little black dress”? No hiding behind my coat because I checked it!)

Sliced Filet Mignon

Just as notable as our first two small plates were the next two we ordered. My husband chose the Lobster Tempura that was served with a soy-ginger dipping sauce that made the fried lobster a “wow”. The thought of fried lobster was not alluring at first – why fry it? But after one bite I was surprisingly loving it. Actually, I couldn’t stop eating it. (It was what my husband ordered.) The arugula, jicama and apple salad was an interesting side, however not my favorite thus far. I ordered the Jumbo Shrimp Scampi Skewers that were served with a vibrant chimichurri sauce and a refreshing citrus salad side. Again, our small plates were empty before we knew it.

Room for more? Ok, but just one more of the three remaining small plate options. And so the Sliced Filet Mignon won over the Scallops and Tuna. And our immediate reaction – great choice! To die for slices of filet served over shiitake risotto, chili oil, that was drizzled with porcini butter. Heavenly, just the right textures (the shiitake risotto was almost crispy) and the porcini butter sauce was brimming with flavor.

Yep, no dessert for us. But let’s look at the big picture. We enjoyed these new small plates; it was an exciting and fun dinner. Exploring all the new tastes, coupled with sharing them along the way, made this into a fine romantic dining adventure! The next time we need to just stop in and have a quick bite at the bar, these small plate options will be perfect and make it a special evening. Oh, and we could probably stop at one each next time. Or maybe not, because they are so tasty! This tasting was at the Fleming’s Lincolnshire location.

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