The Great Escape: A Glass of Wine, A Great Steak

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school on Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take your young children to a movie on Sunday afternoon. Your ‘tweens take tap dance on Wednesday evening.

However it works out, it’s your time. Take it.

In “The Great Escape,” each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much-deserved break, and make your life a little easier. Maybe a whole lot easier.

Have a “great escape” secret of your own you’re willing to share with our readers? Tell us about it by e-mailing the author above, or putting it in the comments at the end of this article. If we pick your idea to feature, we’ll give you a shout-out in the next “Great Escape!”

This week, it’s all about two of life’s greatest pleasures—a great glass of wine, and a cooked-to-perfection steak.

Book a babysitter or clear your schedule for a "Great Escape" of the gastronomical variety—head on over to the Stanford Shopping Center for dinner at

“Fleming's Palo Alto is an ongoing celebration of exceptional food and wine, featuring the finest prime steak and an award-winning wine list," is how operating partner Wayne Hanseth describes Fleming's.

“Join us for a drink after work and sample our list of 100 wines by the glass, including 30 selected especially for you by our own wine manager. Then stay to enjoy an exceptional menu of steak and seafood, including chef-recommended selections such as the bone-in filet mignon and our 24-oz. porterhouse.”

Each visit to Fleming’s promises a truly memorable dining experience. Enjoy a quiet dinner in the restaurant’s main dining room, or book a private dining experience. The staff can customize a special menu, including a multi-course meal for a set price per person, paired with the perfect wines.

Through March 29: Book your table now for the special “Winter Prix Fixe Menu.” This special costs just $39.95 and includes a three-course meal featuring two main entrees to choose from—the Bistro Steak with Ratatouille and Cabernet Butter Sauce, or the Crackling Pork Shank on Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Asian Barbecue Glaze.

Also, be sure to ask the bartender to pour you a glass of Fleming’s new Icon Wine, the Shafer Relentless 2007. Produced in limited quantities by one of Napa Valley’s most acclaimed winemakers, John Shafer, the 2007 Relentless has earned a 95-point rating from wine critic Robert Parker and a 94-point rating from Wine Spectator. Fleming’s is offering it at the special price of $95 per bottle. Order yours today before the supply runs out!

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar is in the Stanford Shopping Center at 180 El Camino Real, or 2 Stanford Shopping Center, in Palo Alto. For more information, visit flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/ca/palo-alto or call 650-329-8457.