Greer Wylder
Paul Fleming has a Midas touch at developing prosperous restaurants.
He's contributed to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Z'Tejas Grill and one of
the '90s most successful dining concepts, P.F. Chang's China Bistro
(initials stand for Paul Fleming).
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Newport is Paul's
flagship restaurant.
It opened in 1998 and has been flourishing ever since. It was the
first of what are now numerous nationally recognized Fleming's
locations. Paul attributes his success at Fleming's to simply knowing
what diners want -- "quality products that are great, exciting and
reasonably priced."
Fleming's serves superior steaks with quality, homey comfort food.
Yet, there is something else that must be said from the outset. While
Paul has achieved and maintained his high culinary goals, superb wine
is undoubtedly the specialty of this house.
Paul's truest passion is to serve outstanding wines that everyone
-- from novices to connoisseurs -- can appreciate. Or think of it
this way; what other Orange County restaurant offers a
100-wines-by-the glass, more than 100 reserve bottles and wine
samplings? There's even seasonal wine pairing dinners. It's all part
of Fleming's extensive wine program. If there was any doubt left,
consider that Fleming's has received multiple recognitions, including
18 awards of excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine.
Intimidated or offset by overwhelming wine list? Who hasn't had
been? Can there be too many foreign languages, unknown locations and
mysterious labels?
Fleming's has an-easy-to-follow wine list. Each selection flows.
Wines are categorized by grape variety; then progressively listed by
body and flavor. And you don't have to mortgage your home to purchase
an expensive full bottle.
Enjoy the wonderful-and affordable-experience of wine by the glass
priced from $5 to $15. The list changes frequently for prime
selection -- 60% come from well-known vintners, 40% come from
lesser-known boutique labels from California, Oregon and Washington.
More selections come from France, Italy, Australia and South Africa.
The reserve list is comprised of highly reputable labels of limited
availability. In the wine bar, Fleming's offers "wine flights" -- a
trio of 2-ounce samples served in miniature carafes and pored into
Fleming's custom-designed glasses.
Each one is delicately hand-blown, intrinsically for color and
aroma pleasure. Preselected "wine flight" cards are available, as
well as blank cards for custom choices. Samples cost a third of the
