Winter Comfort at Fleming's

A wee update on that cool burger program noted below: Fleming's now boasts a boss Winter Prix Fixe deal for about $40 bucks a head, including an appetizer, choice of entrée and dessert, through March 29th. The braised short ribs are jump-on-the-fork tender and savory, and the roasted half-duck comes on a heap of rosemary spaetzle and apricot ginger brandy sauce. Hard times call for comfort food at comfortable prices -- a recipe Fleming's seems to have taken to heart.

As for the aforementioned burger deal: it is the classic no-brainer -- you don't even need a skull to figger this one out. Whether 'tis nobler to the stomach to waste your appetite on a Carl's Jr. souped-up junkfood burger or to go the extra mile to Fleming's Steakhouse around happy hour and pay six clams to go sirloin-with-love? The Woodland Hills location near my hovel is offering a "5 for $6 'til 7" promotion that can't be beaten with a sharp stick. The Prime Burger with cheese and bacon tastes as good as its photogenic likeness to your immediate right. Salivate at will....

Not only does ya get to attack that brioche-enclosed beefy goodness, but there are some decent vintages and cocktails available for the selfsame six dollars -- and yes, that's for the top-drawer hooch, Ketel and the like. To boot, there's some fine Sweet Chili Calamari, Cajun Barbecue Shrimp and some creditable Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes on the menu for the same low price. Bless their recession busting souls.

If you are fressing to impress, there are fabulous selections on the legit menu too, of course. Four-week aged, corn-fed prime beef is the rule at Fleming's, surrounded by stellar sides like chipotle cheddar mac & cheese and some killer onion rings served with a smoked jalapeño aioli. Look for me at the six-buck smorgasbord looking at your porterhouse with envy. Consider me not unhappy in the least.