Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Fleming's is proof positive that not all chains are created equal. Founded in California in 1998, the upmarket steakhouse chain now has 68 locations, including one in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Nothing cookie cutter about the latest location on the northwest corner of the Lakeside Mall in Metairie, a handsome restaurant with private dining and intimate spaces perfect for date night conversation. Prices are on par with other brand name beef palaces - meaning you'll spend $18 on apps and upwards of $40 for most entrees, $61 for a 16 ounce aged prime New York strip, with sides in the $10-$13 range. Not for the budget minded, but the good news is that the service is stellar and the quality of ingredients first rate, especially the dry aged Angus beef, which spends a minimum of 21 days tenderizing. Choose from a choice of rubs and sauces - including Kona coffee, bernaise and a black truffle butter with Gorgonzola cream sauce or savor your steak naked, the flavor of the beef is superb. The team toiling in theopen kitchen gets it spot on - the steaks melt in your mouth with that perfect char. The wine program is also terrific, with more than 100 wines available by the glass or bottle. Lunch brings a busy crowd of business types and shoppers from the mall, with more affordable prices on the likes of a prime burger and the prime rib dip. The new restaurant is led by operating partner Andy Captain and chef partner Pauly Dauterive, whose New Orleans roots are the real deal - he is a graduate of Brother Martin High School.