Sip, Savor, and Escape: A Caribbean-Inspired Evening with Don Q Rum at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Coral Gables By: Carlos Sarmiento
- Carlos Sarmiento
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
There is a distinct art to pairing spirits with fine dining. While wine often takes center stage, a well-crafted rum pairing can unlock layers of flavor that are entirely unique. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Golden Summer Rum Dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Coral Gables, where the legendary Don Q Rum took the spotlight.
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
The evening was a masterfully curated journey, guided with infectious charisma and wit by Henry Infante, Don Q’s representative from Serrallés USA. Henry steered our culinary and spirits education with such effortless humor that the dinner felt as much like a private lesson as it did a non-stop, laughter-filled show. His ability to balance deep industry knowledge with impeccable comedic timing set a vibrant tone for the entire night.
The event was a masterclass in Caribbean elegance, showcasing the versatility of Puerto Rico’s finest rums through a four-course journey that perfectly captured the spirit of summer.
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
The Experience
From the moment I walked into Fleming’s, the atmosphere was electric. The “Golden Summer” theme was brought to life through a menu that balanced coastal freshness with the rich, complex profiles of Don Q’s reserve lineup. It wasn’t just a dinner; it was a curated escape to the islands, right in the heart of Coral Gables.
About Don Q…
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
The Don Q brand is named for Don Quixote, the famous literary character from the family’s favorite novel. Just as Don Quixote represents the search for a perfect world, Don Q signifies the family’s quest for perfection in rum making.
The Four-Course Journey
The menu was a testament to the skill of the culinary team at Fleming’s, with each dish designed to complement the specific notes—from bright citrus to deep, toasted oak—found in the Don Q expressions.
First Course: A Little Luxury from the Sea
The Dish: A vibrant Ceviche featuring shrimp, yellowtail, and seabass, finished with lemon zest and a refreshing cucumber granita.
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
The Pairing: Don Q Reserva 7 Mojito.
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
The Experience: The crisp, clean profile of the Reserva 7 enhanced the freshness of the seafood, while the vibrant citrus notes in the Mojito played beautifully against the acidity of the ceviche.
Second Course: The Golden Pig
The Dish: Seared pork belly served atop a silky sweet corn purée, accompanied by charred pineapple.
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
The Pairing: Don Q Reserva Especial Manhattan with Amaro.
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
The Experience: This was a standout. The gentle oak, vanilla, and caramel notes of the rum harmonized perfectly with the richness of the pork belly, while the sweetness of the charred pineapple tied the flavors together.
Third Course: Oak & Ocean – Barrels & Beef
The Dish: A rosemary-crusted New York strip paired with rum-glazed shrimp, served with summer ratatouille, garlic confit, and a luxurious rum reduction.
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
The Pairing: Don Q Gran Reserva XO Old Fashioned.
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
The Experience: The deep notes of toasted oak, dark caramel, dried fruit, and spice in the Gran Reserva XO elevated this bold centerpiece course, bridging the gap between land and sea.
Fourth Course: Talk Peachy to Me
The Dish: A honey-roasted peach tart with mascarpone cream, pistachio crumble, and a delicate lavender honey drizzle.
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
The Pairing: Don Q Reserva 7 Espresso Martini.
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
The Experience: A sophisticated finish. The rich, bold coffee notes of the Espresso Martini provided a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the honey-roasted peach and the creaminess of the mascarpone.
Evening’s Nightcap - 2009 Don Q Signature Release Single Barrel
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
Don Q Signature Release Single Barrel is a truly exceptional rum. Hand selected by our master distiller in 2009 from a private selection of the Serrallés family’s finest rum stocks, then laid to age in charred, American oak barrels and rested until its final bottling in 2019. Don Q Single Barrel, 2009 is a sublime and expertly crafted spirit made for those that always seek the exceptional.
Final Thoughts
The Golden Summer Rum Dinner was a reminder that rum is a spirit of immense depth and sophistication. Whether it’s the bright, smooth character of the Reserva 7 or the complex, aged elegance of the Gran Reserva XO, Don Q continues to prove why it is a benchmark in the world of premium spirits.
A heartfelt thank you to the team at Fleming’s Coral Gables, Zoraida Mata and Alejando Puga for such a seamless and memorable evening, to Henry Infante for his brilliant hosting, and to the Don Q team for sharing their passion and their exceptional rums.
(Carlos & the amazing Fleming’s team. Photo: Gulla)
Sip, Savor, and Escape to the Caribbean.
For More Information…
Don Q Rum: https://donq.com
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar:
For more culinary adventures and fine wine (and spirits) food-pairing ideas, visit and subscribe today at: Carlos-Food-Wine.com
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