FLEMING’s PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR (Tyson’s Corner)-- Wine Dinner Features South African Wines

Jackie Trujillo, Chef at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at Tyson’s Corner and Sean Coetzee, from Cape Classics, representing premier fine wines from South Africa, teamed up for an outstanding “Night in South Africa” wine dinner. Fleming’s hosts monthly wine dinners with different themes and this one, once again, showed the versatility of Chef Jackie and educated me about South African wines. We started with two tasty appetizers, skewered barbequed shrimp and lightly fried samosas which were served with a delightfully refreshing Raats Chenin Blanc unwooded, Stellenbosch 2009. Next was a green bean and grape tomato salad, paired with a lovely Glenelly Estate Chardonnay, Stellenbosch, 2010, followed by a fabulous tomato and lamb stew, served with a perfect Thelema Merlot, Stellenbosch, 2008, a very nice choice. The entrée was a mixed grill of beef and lobster tail over a savory South African yellow rice with raisins. The entrée was paired just right with a Rudi Shultz Syrah, Stellenbosch, 2007 and lastly, for dessert, so good I wanted to lick the plate, a South African Custard Pie, served with a mildly sweet Klein Constantia Vin de Constance, 2005. I’m beginning to think that Fleming’s is offering the best wine dinners around. The next one is Friday, July 15 and will feature “Comfort Cooking” with wines from California. Fleming’s is located in the Marriott Courtyard Hotel at 1960 Chain Bridge Rd. (at Rt. 123 and International Drive),Tyson’s Corner. For reservations, call 703-442-8384 and check the website at www.flemingssteakhouse.com.

THE GRILLE RESTAURANT & PIANO BAR - - The Morrison House, Alexandria

Recently I experienced a full and satisfying evening at The Grille Restaurant & Piano Bar in The Morrison House in Alexandria. The experience began at 6 p.m. with dinner by Chef Dennis Marron. He offers a tasting menu with one to six courses or you can order from an a la carte menu---or, you can mix and match. I chose several items from each, starting with Oysters Rockefeller, which were the best I’ve had anywhere, and a flavorful lobster strudel. Then came a savory onion soup, a green salad with asparagus and steamed mussels served with Chef Marron’s special frites. From the tasting menu I had delicious and perfectly grilled soft shell crabs and ended with a selection of coconut delights. The menus are quite creative and reflect Chef Marron’s years of experience. The Grille is just one of the dining areas---there is another more intimate Dining Room with the same menus. On Tuesday evenings, after 8 p.m., The Grille highlights its piano bar with well-known pianist Bob Smith. Smith hosts four hours of open-mike performances by local, amateur and professional singers. Trumpeter Robert Vetter plays with Smith as they accompany the singers such as Marilyn Dimas, a superb mezzo soprano and exciting tenor Mike Blaney who sings both opera and Broadway selections. Some of the amateur singers were darn good, too. And, get this, the night I was there, a 10 year old, going on 40, young lad came in with his dad and blew us away with this trumpet playing. Remember this name: Geoffrey Gallante—he’s terrific. Bob Smith also plays solo for an hour on Friday and Saturday nights followed by open-mike for three hours. The Grille is a great place on any night thanks to its genial general manager, William Smith. The Grille Restaurant & Piano Bar in The Morrison House is located at 116 S. Alfred St. in Alexandria. For information and reservations call 703-838-8000 and the website is www.thegrillealexandria.com

SEASONS 52 Fresh/Grill at Tyson’s Corner

I predict that Tyson’s Corner will never be the same after Seasons 52 Fresh/Grill wine and bar restaurant opens on June 27. This is one first-class operation and one of the handsomest restaurants I’ve seen. Its dining area, including the piano bar, is beautifully appointed and the private dining rooms are state of the art. There’s also an open kitchen, which I like, headed by executive chef, Dane Scott. For a pre-opening wine dinner, we were served seven tasting courses paired with appropriate wines. The restaurant has over 100 bottles on its wine list and more than half are available by the glass. There are 18 Seasons 52 restaurants around the country and each focuses on healthy and fresh ingredients. They are known for their flatbreads that are topped with such items as roasted artichokes, pineapple, feta cheese, shrimp, spinach, peppers and goat cheese. Delicious!! (Forget pizza!) The entrees were served on a cedar plank and honestly, the Copper River Salmon and lemongrass sea scallops were the best I’ve had. Other entrée items were the mesquite lamb chop, Manchester Farms quail breast and a wonderful Sonoma goat cheese ravioli. Imagine, this was just a sample of what will be on Seasons 52’s full menu. Incidentally, the desserts are called mini indulgences and just wait ‘til you see how they’re served. Seasons 52 is located in Tyson’s Corner Center Mall (also known as Tyson’s I) on the lower level, across from Barnes and Noble. For more information and reservations, call 703-288-3852 and check the website at www.seasons52.com.
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CHIMA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE, Tyson’s Corner

If you want a different kind of dining experience—in an elegant atmosphere—take yourself over to the Chima Brazilian Steakhouse at Tyson’s Corner. Be prepared to see the best salad bar in town with beautiful, large vegetables including delicious slices of beets, tomatoes, asparagus, hearts of palm and so much more! There are also specialty salads, deli meats, cheeses, soup and several hot side dishes. And then, there are the gaucho looking servers carrying long skewers of different kinds of rotisserie meats, chicken and seafood which they present at each table for you to choose. Lots of other niceties, too, like cheese puffs, a turkey spread, fried bananas and the creamiest potatoes ever. The desserts, if you have room, are delicious—try the ice cream with hot banana sauce. Wow! I should mention that Chima does permit diners to order just the salad bar. If you’re looking for a “new” drink, try Chima’s signature drink, Caipirinha. Wonderfully refreshing. Chima’s is made for special celebrations and entertaining. Located at 8010 Towers Crescent Drive at Tyson’s Corner. They also have valet parking. For more information and reservations for dinner only, call 703-639-3080 and check the website at www.chimasteakhouse.com.

TRATTORIA DA FRANCO Restaurant - - Opera and Italian Buffet

Where else can you go and hear three top opera singers, a great keyboard artist and enjoy an Italian buffet? Well, try Trattoria Da Franco in Alexandria at 305 S. Washington St. (at Duke). For 30 years Franco Abbruzzetti has been the owner/chef at this location. Once a month the restaurant has opera night. Last Sunday, dinner was from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and then 7 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., there’s a wonderful show of opera and Broadway songs. The popular Michael Blaney emcee’s and sings in his fine tenor voice. He has sung with the Met in New York and the Washington National Opera in D.C. Well-known keyboard artist, Bob Smith, formerly with the U.S. Army Band, accompanies the singers and honestly, he can play anything. Mezzo soprano Marilyn Dimas and soprano Sofiya Schug charmed the diners with their vocal talents. And, sometimes. Franco himself, will charm the folks with Italian tunes. Call Trattoria Da Franco to find out the date of the next opera night at 703-548-9338. Check the website at www.trattoriadafranco.com