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The first time I was introduced to something called "small plates", I had no clue as to what they were all about; that was more than twenty years ago.  The concept seems to be a reappearance of late...  With a tight economy inviting an ever-tighter grip on one's purse strings, the timing couldn't be more apropos.

I had received notification that Fleming's -- a fine-dining venue known primarily for their excellent steaks -- was hosting a small media "dinner" of sorts, highlighting a recently unveiled small-plates menu at their downtown location.  Lauren and I were invited to join a small group for the occasion.

We were treated to a lucky-seven selection of smaller iterations (culled from an original group of over one hundred possibilities) designed for anytime appeal as either an appetizer/starter course, something small and special to share with a friend or even as an alternative to a large entrée.  Just don't automatically assume that the "small plate" moniker means that something has been lost or will be missing, or that the myriad flavors and high quality that accompany this well-plated eye candy would be anything less than what one would expect as signature from Fleming's kitchen.

Add a beverage -- like a glass of wine from Fleming's selection of one-hundred-by-the-glass available -- and a salad; follow with dessert (make certain to ask for some of their exquisite house-blended Chantilly whipped cream to top it) and coffee and... repeat as often as possible, for you have just discovered the perfect small-plate solution to your dinner dilemma!

The evening was hosted by Operating Partner Curtis Nordeen and Chef Partner Jerl Griffin, and featured all seven of the lighter, healthier new additions to dining at Fleming's.  A special "skinny" stiletto martini (a 99-calorie blend of Hendrick's gin, blackberries and lime juice) started the evening on its way; a striking Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay and a dry, soft and mellow 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon were perfectly paired with our small plate selections.  Here is the official list and brief description of what we had the pleasure of sampling; the seven new Small Plates include (in no particular order):

• Sliced Filet Mignon on shiitake risotto, chili oil, drizzled with porcini butter;
• Jumbo Shrimp Scampi Skewers with chimichurri dipping sauce and avocado citrus salad;
• New Zealand Petite Lamb Chops with pistachio-mint pesto, “F-17” sauce, and polenta fries;
• Ahi Tuna Skewers with wasabi aioli, sweet tomato vinaigrette, and homemade wonton chips;
• New Bedford Scallops with meyer lemon-honey glaze, baby carrots, green beans, and asparagus;
• Filet Mignon Skewers with gorgonzola-bacon fondue, mozzarella and sweet tomato salad;
• Fleming’s Lobster Tempura with soy-ginger dipping sauce, arugula, jicama and apple salad.
   

Since this is not an "official" review, I'll forego the rating Zins... and simply provide the evening's small plate line-up listed directly above.  But I don't think it will be difficult to read between the lines to determine just what a special place Fleming's really is.  Lauren and I thoroughly enjoyed two experiences at the Fleming's in Lincolnshire; the downtown version was equally outstanding.  I know first-hand how difficult it is for most restaurants to obtain really high-quality seafood, let alone have someone in the kitchen who can prepare it properly.  Especially in a steakhouse environment, one might never expect any type of shell- or fin-fish item to be able to stand tall against the beef side of the menu.  However, Chef Jerl and his staff have accomplished just that with the Ahi Tuna Skewers, New Bedford Scallops, Jumbo Shrimp Scampi Skewers and Lobster Tempura.  Five Zin ratings are in order for all of them (although I give the scallops my highest marks, followed by the ahi)!  By the way, the lamb and beef dishes were pretty darn tasty as well...

Numerous other details set Fleming's apart from the crowd (see my review of the Fleming's in Lincolnshire), and the downtown Chicago is a destination well worth your attention.  Fleming’s Small Plates range in price from $15.50 – $22.95. As with the majority of Fleming’s menu, they can be modified to be gluten free upon request.  

Many thanks to Messieurs Nordeen and Griffin for an excellent evening that provided some exceptional and sumptuous small plate selections with incredible flavours and interesting textures, all paired with great wines.

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