We are, however, taking advantage of some last-minute date ideas since we are still officially a family of two!
Months ago, my husband's dad gifted us with a nice dinner out. We still hadn't used it, so we decided to go out for a fancy meal as a way of celebrating my husband's 30th birthday in July, my 30th in August, and the impending arrival of our little one.
I've been craving mashed potatoes, and my husband is a steak kind of a guy, so we researched places within an hour of our home that had great steak and a gluten free menu.
The top of the list? Fleming's Steakhouse in Madison.
The first time we called for reservations (same-day) the host actually chuckled at us. "For tonight?" he asked. "No, no no." So we waited a couple of weeks and then called to make Friday reservations on a Tuesday. Bingo.
--Photo borrowed from Celiac and the Beast (since I forgot to take a menu photo!)
Fleming's offers an extensive gluten free menu that lists appetizers, salads, entreés, sauces, and desserts. Some need modifications (no croutons on the salads, for example), but those were all listed as well.
Our server was very knowledgeable and helpful, and nothing fazed her (including my husband's high-maintenance steak order for a steak "between medium and medium rare" - "Oh," she said, "Medium rare plus!").
She also brought out a tray of fresh veggies for us (they don't serve gluten free bread, so this was their bread substitute). It was a nice touch, and pleasant to have something to munch on while waiting for our food.
I ordered garlic mashed potatoes with a steak. My husband ordered asparagus and a baked potato with his.
It. Was. Delightful.
The steaks melted in our mouths, and the garlic mashed potatoes absolutely hit the spot. I was a little sad only because I couldn't finish my meal - there's not much stomach space in my huge baby belly these days! But I enjoyed it boxed up for later.
For dessert we ordered the cremé brulee (a longtime favorite of mine) and the chocolate lava cake! The cake wasn't on the gf menu (not every location offers it), but our waitress knew it was available. She even checked that it was dusted with cocoa and not flour.
Yes... I took a bite before taking a picture... Couldn't help it!
The only wrinkle of the evening came with dessert - our server brought the chocolate lava cake's ice cream to the table with a chocolate-chip cookie in it. When she set it down she said,
"Just don't eat the cookie - that isn't gluten free."
We had to explain that I couldn't even eat the ice cream if it was touched by gluten (a necessary explanation that made me more than a touch nervous after already eating an entire meal...). She quickly apologized, took the dangerous cookie dish away, and returned moments later with a fresh dish of vanilla ice cream.
Despite the momentary misstep, dinner was a great success and I didn't get sick afterward. It was a really fun experience - dim lights, quiet music, restful atmosphere - and a meal that couldn't be beat.
Fleming's is pricey (definitely not somewhere we would go without a gift card or for a BIG celebration!), but it was incredibly delicious.
As an added bonus, when our server brought the check, she also dropped off a box of four (gluten free!) truffles and a $25 gift card in honor of our birthdays. It was the cherry on top of an already delightful evening.
We left with smiles on our faces!
(Forgive the bad iPhone photo... it was really dark in there!)
Do you live near a Fleming's? Have you ever been?
A huge thanks to my husband's dad for the gift - it was a night to remember!
Glad to hear you had a good time! We have a Flemings about 30 minutes away but we have never made the trip. Good luck with the pregnancy!
ReplyDeleteHang in there! Baby will arrive eventually. I was also told baby would arrive early but then was induced a week past the due date. Sigh. I'm glad you are finding great ways to enjoy your last quiet days before his/her arrival!
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