PART 2 of 2 - I prefer my steak rare! With a side of emotional connection.

I have to give credit where credit is due. I’m happy to share a shout out to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Scottsdale, AZ.  Although this experience is from this location, I have to admit there is definite consistency amongst the brand with the same attention to service detail at their other locations too.

If you go onto Fleming’s website you’ll read the following under their heading; ‘Steak Expertise’:

At Fleming's, a steak is never just a steak. It's the culmination of a meticulous process of selection, preparation and service that ensures it reaches your table at its very best. We obsess over every detail so that you'll savor every bite.

They do practice what they preach.  Let me share my experience with you.

From the moment we arrived (without a reservation) we were greeted by an upbeat hostess who immediately welcomed us and asked our surname.  From that moment on we were addressed by our name.

When the server approached our table, he greeted us by name and introduced himself.  Something so simple, to make the immediate connection and yet so often overlooked by other establishments.

Sometimes it only takes a small moment of truth to WOW a guest and this was my moment to enjoy.  When our server took our drink order , I ordered a diet coke and kidded with him that I’d have preferred a glass of wine but as a professional keynote speaker, I don’t indulge in alcohol on the evening before I give a speech.  My guest went on to order a martini and asked our server to ‘hold the olives’.  I jokingly interrupted saying he should get the olives as they were the best part of the martini.  He declined due to the high salt content.

Shortly there after our server returned.  He presented my drink first with; ‘Mrs. Syer, I have a vintage 2015 Diet Coke for you.  I think you’ll agree it’s a good year’s vintage.”  I was totally impressed; he brought a little humour and connection into my preference for wine.  Well done!

Next when he introduced my guests martini, he added; “And Mrs. Syer, I do believe it was you who liked the olives so I’ve brought a few for you to enjoy.” And there on a small bowl were three olives on a tooth pick.  Wow!

The evening went on with impeccable service, great attention to detail and delicious cuisine.  But the story I remember most was the emotional connection.  It was all about me. Thanks to his intuition, listening to what was being said between the words spoken and making an emotional connection that I continue to rave about today.

Thank you Fleming’s for obsessing over not just the steak but the emotional connection too!

Well done!