Brunch at Fleming's ... This isn't your grandma's brunch (thank goodness)

Flemings Steakhouseis known around the country for many things--succulent steaks,
fine wine, fresh seafood, and a commitment to fantastic service--
but they're not necessarily known for the one thing my husband and I went to sample on a recent Sunday morning.

Brunch.

Sunday brunch is a staple around these parts, but you're most likely to encounter a large buffet style operation in most establishments, replete with pastries, potatoes, soggy-to-overdone scrambled eggs, and if you're lucky, a waffle and/or omelet station.

Put those thoughts out of your mind. You are now at Fleming's Sonoma Sunday Brunch, served 11am- 3pm.

The atmosphere of the place, all mahogany wood and deep red leather banquettes, conjures a ton of old world charm, and you know you're in a special place from the time the smiling host or hostess greets you and you are promptly seated.

Your waiter or waitress arrives soon after, offering you a complimentary breakfast cocktail of freshly squeezed orange juice, pomegranate puree, and fine champagne, and hands you a menu.

You might be inclined to raise your eyebrows. Yes, you can get an order of (absolutely delicious, fluffy, and perfectly cooked) pancakes, and my husband quickly availed himself of these.

You can also get a delectable crab-meat omelet. You can start out with fresh, succulent berries smothered in sweet house-made whipped cream. But those aren't the only items available, by a long shot.

Instead, why not try eggs Benedict--made with filet mignon, crisp fried potato cakes, and perfect hollandaise, instead of the old tired canadian-bacon-english muffin duo? 

Or a rich, deep prime rib hash, made with potatoes and fresh vegetables, and served with some of the creamiest scrambled eggs I've ever tasted?

Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you will not be disappointed with the miso glazed Chilean sea bass, light and flaky with a delicious Asian tang.

And the side orders--rosemary sugar bacon, sweet, crisp and chewy. Goat cheese grits, smooth and creamy with a light, earthy flavor. Spicy, meaty sausage links that would make certain breakfast-sausage icons hang their heads in shame at what is offered at their eponymous restaurants.

By the time my husband and I were finished eating, we were full to bursting. The entire time, our friendly, knowledgeable waiter ensured we were comfortable, had hot coffee at the ready, and refilled our delicious cocktail.

He was never far away, but he never intruded either. Fleming's seems to have mastered the balancing act that is great service--be available, but not in your face.

All in all, it was a fantastic experience and neither my husband nor I can wait until we return for another Sonoma Sunday Brunch soon--and neither one of us will ever look at the traditional brunch buffet the same again. 

Fleming's is located at 555 Lancaster Avenue, Radnor, PA.