I’ve found my Mecca. My culinary heaven. A restaurant that combines the perfect blend of ambiance, flavor, and the real kicker….every item on the menu is fewer than 475 calories. Of course, when you order four things off the menu, that detail doesn’t really make a difference. But still! Under 500 calories for flatbreads, stuffed mushrooms and rack of lamb with potatoes? Amazing.
I know Seasons 52 isn’t new, but it’s new to me, and I can’t wait to return. It was fairly busy when the B.F. and I arrived a few Friday nights ago, but we were quickly seated in a large booth. I ordered wine from the impressive-sized list, and the B.F. had is old standby—Crown on the rocks. I quickly noticed (much to my delight) that when you order a second (or in my case third or fourth) glass of wine, the servers bring the whole bottle over to assure the customer that they are getting what they ordered. It’s little nuances like that that make me appreciate a restaurant.
The B.F and I have our ordering routine down pat at this point. We always have an app (usually some crab-cake type concoction) followed by carefully-discussed entrees—we usually have a debate about what we should get, (and if I’m torn between two dishes I always try to urge him to order the one I’m not getting) and a peek at the dessert menu to start brainstorming about what our best choice is.
This night was no different, and we started discussing which flatbread to get. With choices like Grilled Steak with Cremini Mushrooms, Garlic Chicken with balsamic onions and roasted red peppers and Spicy Chipotle Shrimp, we were torn. In the end, we tried the Spicy Chipotle Shrimp. Topped with grilled pineapple, roasted poblano peppers and feta cheese, it was sweet, spicy, and simply delicious. The flatbread is light and crispy, not greasy and filling, making these the perfect appetizer for sharing—or definitely enough for a meal for one.
Since we started with a flatbread, we decided to forego any other appetizers. But I WILL be back to try the Housemade Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli with roasted garlic and sweet basil in a light tomato broth. Yum! For my entrée, I decided to forego any of my usual suspects, though the Carmelized Sea Scallops, Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon, and Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon all sounded AMAZING. I chose the New Zealand Rack of Lamb, served with roasted potatoes and green beans. The B.F. decided to branch out as well and try the Venison Chop, served with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies.
The lamb was cooked to pink perfection, and the sides were simply prepared, yet flavorful. I can see how the dishes tally in below 475 calories. Nothing was dripping in the usual butter bath I’ve come to expect at restaurants, and I could actually taste the flavor of the meat instead of a pile of salt. There’s nothing too fancy or elaborate about this dish—just delicious food, executed perfectly. The B.F. had no complaints about his dish either, and I was lucky enough to steal a few bites of garlic mashed potatoes.
Dessert is the most important part of the meal, in my opinion. But how could any restaurant keep sinful desserts under 475 calories and maintain the taste? Seasons 52 manages this feat with portion control. Desserts (called Mini Indulgences) two-bite treats served in shot glasses. So as not to ruin our semi-healthy dinner, we chose just two desserts to try. Key Lime Pie (the B.F.’s favorite) and Mocha Macchiato. Both were downright decadent, and a perfect and light way to end our meal.
Our service was impeccable, and the manager was friendly when he stopped by to inquire about our meal. The place was crowded (it was a Friday night after all) but our server didn’t seemed rushed or annoyed when we asked him a ton of questions about the menu.
I can’t wait to go back to try more dishes, and I’m excited to see what offerings will be available in the spring, since the menu changes seasonally. I’m even more excited that they do takeout, so I can order a healthy flatbread instead of pizza on nights I don’t feel like cooking. With its healthy, and simple yet amazing food, Seasons 52 makes for the perfect spot for the calorie-conscious who refuse to sacrifice taste.
~Blair Branch
Seasons 52 is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Seasons 52 is located at 3050 Peachtree Road NW.
404.846.1552
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