December 5, 2013
Seasons 52 Fresh Grill has opened its second San Diego location at the beautiful new
The Headquarters at Seaport District. The sophisticated restaurant prides itself on offering fresh, low calorie dishes, each allegedly under 475 calories(!?!) in an elegant setting. We were astonished by the delicious dishes, each paired with a glass of wine from Seasons 52's bountiful list of over 100 bottles, with more than 50 offered by the glass.
Season 52 is owned and operated by Darden Restaurant, Inc., the world's largest full service restaurant group who also owns Red Lobster, Eddie V's, Olive Garden, Yard House and more. The new Headquarter's space has been renovated to incorporate much of the brand's usual design elements, while also maintaining some of the historic attributes of the Old Police Headquarters space, including preservation of the incredible vaulted wood ceiling. Our favorite aspects of the space were the display kitchen and the pianist tickling the keys behind the bar!
We began our meal with tray passed flatbreads and a flute of Chartogne-Taillet Cuvee Sainte Anne champagne. The perfectly seared blackened steak and blue cheese came on Seasons 52's extremely thin and crispy crust. Also served was a lobster and fresh mozzarella pizza with roasted sweet peppers, slivered spring onions and lobster sour cream. Both flatbreads were delicious, perfect consistency and beyond satisfying - without overloading on carb-heavy crusts.
After being seated, we were served a gorgeous amuse bouche - a piece of dungeness crab over pureed Haas avocado. This little masterpiece was paired with a 2012 Aveleda Vinho Verde from Portugal.
Next up we were presented organic salmon with a lemongrass sea scallop, served on a roasted cedar plank with carrots and asparagus, paired with a 2011 Mer Soleil Chardonnay from the Central Coast. Salmon isn't usually our favorite proteins, but we were wow'd by this creamy, rich and flavorful version, as well as the equally tasty scallop.
To refresh our palates, we were served a baby spinach salad with caramelized Bosc pear, walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese, paired with a 2011 Casillero del Diablo Viognier from Casablanca.
An adorable plate of Sonoma goat cheese ravioli came served with harvest vegetables, black mushrooms and roasted onion jus. We could not believe that this luxurious dish was prepared sans butter! We were told that there was no butter in ANY dish at the restaurant! Mind blown! Paired with a 2010 Retromarcia Chianti Classic, this dish was certainly a crowd pleaser.
Surf & Turf under 475 calories?!? A New Zealand venison chop was joined by a half oak-grilled lobster tail, all atop truffle mashed potatoes, roasted brussel sproats and red wine demi glaze, paired with a 2011 De Toren Z from Stellenbosch. The venison was so tender and juicy. Although this was our last savory course and our bellies were filling, we couldn't help but gnaw on that bone...mmmmm.
This incredible meal was finished with an array of mini desserts - a unique touch that really allows patrons to get a small taste of many different options. To close out the evening, our desserts were paired with a Selbach-Oster Bernkasteler Badstude Riseling.
Seasons 52 left us feeling vibrant and guilt free, despite indulging in a vast cornucopia of food and wine. Service was impeccable and the space enchanting. Seasons 52 at the new Headquarters is undoubtedly a remarkable destination to add to your list, especially this holiday season when we could all use a healthy meal!
SEASONS 52 FRESH GRILL
789 West Harbor Drive, Suite 134, Downtown
(619) 702-0052
seasons52.com/locations/?restaurantid=4541
Hours:
Sunday - Thursday 11am - 10pm
Friday - Saturday 11am - 11pm
