When we started this blog, Tanya and I were trying to think of things that would not only make it entertaining and enjoyable for our readers, but also, multi-dimensional, covering all the aspects of the travel experience. The dining experience, to us, is so much a part of traveling so we decided to dedicate one day a week specifically to great dining places and stories that we have had while traveling the world, and also in our own backyards.
One of my favorite restaurants is called Season's 52. It is not a single location restaurant, but an American chain that was founded in 2003. What's unique about this "chain" from many others, is their high end branding and sophisticated atmosphere, as well as their unique menu concept, which is seasonally inspired. So, every season or four times a year, the menu changes. In addition to the main menu, there is also a "panel" of featured dishes down the right hand side of their menu that changes weekly, so "52" times annually. The name Season's 52 couldn't be better, as it says it all!
The menu offers fresh ingredients and a variety of options to please all, including meat eaters, seafood lovers and vegetarians. And if this wasn't enough, the restaurant's founder Darden Restaurants (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, The Capital Grille) is committed to delivering a lower-calorie option when compared to its competition. All of the offerings on the menu are promoted as being under 475 calories and nutritionally balanced.
Anyone that knows me, knows I am NOT a fan of chain restaurants. I find them cookie cutter, with very commercial tasting food. But, based on my dining experiences in Season's 52, Garden City, NY location, they have my recommendation as a great food establishment! The menu is quite diverse, with interesting appetizers, a good cross section of main courses, unique twists on classic salads, such as their "Crisp Romaine and Baby Kale Caesar", gourmet vegetarian dishes and menu staples such as their flatbreads, which change seasonally. Vegans will be happy to know that the restaurant claims to have no butter on premises. If the food choices weren't enough, the menu also showcases over 100 different bottles of wine, more than 50 of which are available by the glass. I read somewhere that George Millotes, their master sommelier, personally visits a variety of wine vineyards so he can hand pick wines for Seasons 52!
Let's talk food! I've been there a number of times, and each time, I've tried something different. I've had their flatbreads, which are perfect for lunch or dinner. They are rectangle and about 16" in length with the thinnest of crusts. The basic Roasted Roma Tomato with mozzarella cheese, parmesan and ribbons of basil is light and delicious. I've also had their Grilled Garlic Roasted Chicken flatbread which was delish! As far as my eating preferences go, JSYK, I will eat chicken and turkey here and there, but for the most part, I am a vegetarian eater, so when I see yummy combinations of vegetarian offerings, I usually jump on them. The Spring Vegetarian Tasting is a wonderful combination of various vegetarian dishes quinoa-citrus salad, soft taco, seasonal vegetables, cedar-roasted tofu and tropical salsa. This past wednesday I had lunch at the Seasons 52 in the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City with Tedd. I order the Vegetarian Black Bean and Roasted Pepper Taco with Feta Cheese and a side of Quinoa Grain and Citrus Salad. It was all so tasty! The taco's even had some jalepeno's in them giving them alittle bit of kick. The quinoa salad was light and crunchy with pieces of orange, jicama, sun-dried cranberries and fresh mint.
One of my favorite restaurants is called Season's 52. It is not a single location restaurant, but an American chain that was founded in 2003. What's unique about this "chain" from many others, is their high end branding and sophisticated atmosphere, as well as their unique menu concept, which is seasonally inspired. So, every season or four times a year, the menu changes. In addition to the main menu, there is also a "panel" of featured dishes down the right hand side of their menu that changes weekly, so "52" times annually. The name Season's 52 couldn't be better, as it says it all!
The menu offers fresh ingredients and a variety of options to please all, including meat eaters, seafood lovers and vegetarians. And if this wasn't enough, the restaurant's founder Darden Restaurants (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, The Capital Grille) is committed to delivering a lower-calorie option when compared to its competition. All of the offerings on the menu are promoted as being under 475 calories and nutritionally balanced.
Anyone that knows me, knows I am NOT a fan of chain restaurants. I find them cookie cutter, with very commercial tasting food. But, based on my dining experiences in Season's 52, Garden City, NY location, they have my recommendation as a great food establishment! The menu is quite diverse, with interesting appetizers, a good cross section of main courses, unique twists on classic salads, such as their "Crisp Romaine and Baby Kale Caesar", gourmet vegetarian dishes and menu staples such as their flatbreads, which change seasonally. Vegans will be happy to know that the restaurant claims to have no butter on premises. If the food choices weren't enough, the menu also showcases over 100 different bottles of wine, more than 50 of which are available by the glass. I read somewhere that George Millotes, their master sommelier, personally visits a variety of wine vineyards so he can hand pick wines for Seasons 52!
Let's talk food! I've been there a number of times, and each time, I've tried something different. I've had their flatbreads, which are perfect for lunch or dinner. They are rectangle and about 16" in length with the thinnest of crusts. The basic Roasted Roma Tomato with mozzarella cheese, parmesan and ribbons of basil is light and delicious. I've also had their Grilled Garlic Roasted Chicken flatbread which was delish! As far as my eating preferences go, JSYK, I will eat chicken and turkey here and there, but for the most part, I am a vegetarian eater, so when I see yummy combinations of vegetarian offerings, I usually jump on them. The Spring Vegetarian Tasting is a wonderful combination of various vegetarian dishes quinoa-citrus salad, soft taco, seasonal vegetables, cedar-roasted tofu and tropical salsa. This past wednesday I had lunch at the Seasons 52 in the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City with Tedd. I order the Vegetarian Black Bean and Roasted Pepper Taco with Feta Cheese and a side of Quinoa Grain and Citrus Salad. It was all so tasty! The taco's even had some jalepeno's in them giving them alittle bit of kick. The quinoa salad was light and crunchy with pieces of orange, jicama, sun-dried cranberries and fresh mint.
Vegetarian Black Bean and Roasted Pepper Tacos with Feta Cheese
Quinoa Grain and Citrus Salad
Now the real treat at Season's 52 is their "Mini Indulgences" Desserts! These are mini individual servings of classic desserts served in a shot glass style cup. They include: Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte,
Key Lime Meringue Pie, Mocha Macchiato, Pecan Pie with Vanilla Bean Mousse, Carrot Cake with Cinnamon Honey, Belgian Chocolate S’more, Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cannoli, and Blueberries with Lemon Curd. My favorite is the Pecan Pie with Vanilla bean mousse!!!
There are currently 41 Seasons 52 locations in the United States throughout 16 different states. These include Garden City, NY, Boca Raton, FL, Bridgewater, NJ, Dallas, TX, Costa Mesa, CA and Kansas City, MO, to name a few.
A definite "must try!!"
~E
Key Lime Meringue Pie, Mocha Macchiato, Pecan Pie with Vanilla Bean Mousse, Carrot Cake with Cinnamon Honey, Belgian Chocolate S’more, Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cannoli, and Blueberries with Lemon Curd. My favorite is the Pecan Pie with Vanilla bean mousse!!!
There are currently 41 Seasons 52 locations in the United States throughout 16 different states. These include Garden City, NY, Boca Raton, FL, Bridgewater, NJ, Dallas, TX, Costa Mesa, CA and Kansas City, MO, to name a few.
A definite "must try!!"
~E
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