Bill Clinton dines at Fleming's in FloridaBill Clinton dines at Fleming's in Florida

Paul Frumkin

SARASOTA Fla. Bill Clinton showed his bipartisan side when he asked that fish be included on the menu for a dinner he attended Wednesday night at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar here.

The former president dined at Fleming's on Siesta Drive with local residents, including Sandy Loevner, president of the Florida Winefest & Auction, and Myrna Band, coordinator of the Winefest Fever Gala.

Clinton specifically requested that fish be included on a special buffet-style menu served in the restaurant's private dining room. Other selections included Fleming's salad, sliced tenderloin of beef, sliced New York strip steak, BBQ Scottish salmon, seared Ahi tuna, Fleming's potatoes, grilled asparagus, sauteed mushrooms, shoestring potatoes, creme brulee and walnut turtle pie.

Clinton took time to shake hands with guests in the dining room, and autographed books for members of his dining party. Guests in the dining area gave him a standing ovation as he departed.

The 63-unit Fleming's is a division of Tampa-based OSI Restaurant Partners.

Contact Paul Frumkin at [email protected].