My husband takes me to a different steak house for my birthday each year (Mortons, Ruth's Chris, Donovan's) and this year it was Fleming's in Newport Beach. We had reservations and were seated fairly promptly at a table by the bar. We had a couple of cacklers at the bar that from time to time would let out a crazy piercing laugh, but what can you do? At least there was a glass partition that somewhat shielded us from some of the obnoxiousness at the bar. The food was great though! Initially they serve a plate of toasted breads with two types of spreads (brea and blue?). That was very yummy! My husband brought a bottle of our favorite wine for the occasion ($20 corkage fee) and the waiter immediately opened that up for us when he came by to introduce himself. We started off with their lobster bisque and ahi carpaccio. The carpaccio was phenomenal! The bisque was pretty good... but not "OMG-good". I ordered a filet mignon, rare, which came out perfectly. My husband ordered his medium rare, which he enjoyed. We also shared their mashed potatoes with was topped with truffle oil.... outstanding!!! Since it was my birthday, they brought out a complimentary creme brulee, which we both enjoyed very much. Very creamy with a nice crisp shell. My husband normally doesn't like custard but this was good! I wasn't blown away with the service though, or else I would have given it a 10. For a completely phenomenal dining experience, I still would go to Donovan's in La Jolla... that was where my previous birthday dinner was and I am still, to this day, incredibly impressed with their service and food! Everything came together like a beautiful symphony and the staff was incredibly courteous and alert.
Pros: fabulously prepared steaks
Cons: bar scene sometimes is obnoxious if you sit next to it
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