Seasons 52

[iloveokw]

Just read about this new restaurant on Sand Lake Rd in Orlando. Has anyone tried it yet? Thanks.

 

[martina857]

It's a low fat restaraunt, they do calorie controlled meals, nice too.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Season's 52 is not a low fat or low cal restaurant per se but rather they specialize in using the food which is in season for that particular week. Therefore, the the menu is always changing and depends on what they can get that week hence the name Season's 52. It is owned by the Darden group. The same people that own Chili's and Maggione's. You can look up on line and they will give you a sampling of what they can and do make.

 

[martina857]

I beg to differ, Seasons 52 is MOST DEFINATELY !!!! low calorie and low fat .....

"Opened last February, the original 250-seat restaurant is geared toward the health conscious -- including the huge population of aging baby boomers.

No entree contains more than 450 calories, and all highlight fresh and sometimes exotic ingredients such as Gilroy garlic, Japanese eggplant and opal basil. Menus change weekly to accommodate seasonal availability of such foods as fall heirloom tomatoes and fresh Copper River salmon. Sauces are minimized in favor of herbed broths and grill roasting. More than 100 wines are served, with more than 70 by the glass. Mini-desserts consist of shotglass-size tastes of carrot cake, key lime pie or tiramisu -- and only 200 calories per glass. And waiters use a PDA-type device to provide nutritional information about the menu items.

The concept was considered risky by some analysts when it opened. While Orlando-based Darden is the world's largest casual-dining restaurant company, it has no chain that has the upscale look and feel of Seasons 52.

However, the menu and modern atmosphere has impressed food critics and consistently filled seats. Dinner typically involves an hour-plus wait for a table, and the bar is frequently packed.

UCF's Muller sees its success as a major industry milestone. "Seasons 52 is the cutting-edge concept in the U.S. restaurant industry today," says Muller.

"Their use of wine, their portion sizes, the decor, the pricing structure and their use of fresh products combines the best trends in an incredible package. There's nothing else like it out there." "

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Some of Darden's other restaurants include, Red Lobster, Smokey Bones, Olive Garden...

This is a nicely appointed restaurant, although a tiny bit hard to find if you are not familar with the area. It is on Sand Lake (in the Plaza Venetizia where Publix is) almost at the intersection of Dr. Phillips Blvd. It is a stand alone building.

The interior is simple, somewhat dark and tries for an air of sophistication.

The wine bar is extensive.

The servers all have hand held devices that can tell you the calorie, fat content and carb count of any selection. Low carb eating here can be somewhat of a challenge as they do not use "real" butter, etc. (I don't use artificial products and only use first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil in my cooking).

The food selection is extensive, and does vary somewhat with the availability of produce, meat and seafood. That is one of their "draws," serving the freshest items available.

It is, of course, non smoking and for a refreshing change of pace does not cater to children. There is no child's menu, no booster seats and no high chairs.

They have a lovely concept for desserts (although a little behind the times in not offering a sugar free selection) in that they are "small indulgences." The desserts are served in small liquer glasses, and are about $2 each. They afford a nice opportunity to have something to finish a meal without feeling like you've gorged on a 1,000 calorie laden hunk of cheesecake.

The mussels were particularly nice, and the red snapper was lovely.

Hope that helps a bit.

 

[zaxmom]

I have not been able to try this restaurant as we always have our children with us when we are in Orlando. My husband works for Darden and has been there. All of the entrees are under 500 calories. They use only the freshest ingredients and change the menu weekly. I have seen a lot written about this restaurant nationally and the plan is for Darden to open one in each major market. I hope they open one here soon!

P.S. Darden does not own Chili's. They are owned by Brinker based in Texas.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I guess I do not consider it low cal since the food is good and in my opinion the low cal comes from the use of fresh ingredients. I think when people say low cal it gives the wrong impression (ie lettuce leaf and glass of water)