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Bluegreen Dining Guide: Seasons 52
Sometimes a restaurant is so great, you don’t know where to start when describing it. Seasons 52, on Orlando’s Sand Lake Road, is just such a place. Away from the hubbub of theme parks but still close to Bluegreen resorts, Seasons 52 offers a serene oasis for adult foodies.Orlando Sentinel readers awarded the restaurant with Best Wine List and Best Overall Restaurant honors in 2011’s 13th Annual Foodie Awards, and for good reason. Culinary Director Chef Clifford Pleau keeps patrons intrigued with an ever-changing menu based on seasonal ingredients, sustainably sourced through local farmers whenever possible.
Master Sommelier George Miliotes assures that guests of Seasons 52 has a palate-pleasing wealth of wines (including by the glass) to pair with each entrée. Miliotes is only the 152nd Master Sommelier in the world, incidentally; his well-versed service staff puts guests at ease when making friendly recommendations on pairings.
The restaurant takes its name from the four seasons it represents through food. A winter menu will offer selections which are hearty, often rustic and best paired with powerful red wines. An example: grilled venison chops with mashed sweet potatoes, a green vegetable trio and balsamic reduction sauce. Colder months might also see entrees like blackened fish tacos with chipotle sour cream, or Buffalo chili with corn cakes. Needless to say, no matter the season you decide to take a Bluegreen vacation to Orlando, your dining experience at Seasons 52 will be exemplary.
This past winter, Seasons also introduced – into its “mini indulgences” dessert menu – a red velvet taste treat, and a Meyer lemon poundcake mini. All of the taste profile, far fewer of the calories.
An autumn offering might be along the lines of a roasted squash spiced with cinnamon, ginger, star anise, orange blossom honey, apple cider and chipotle: decadent and delicious, with the squash from a local farm.
If a certain dish really turns you on, there’s every likelihood you can find the recipe online, to try at home. (We found one we liked for red pepper pistachio dip). But it’s oh so pleasurable to book a table at Seasons 52. Just being in the building is an experience, with its rich woods, superb craftsmanship, comfortable seating and subtle mood lighting.
As if you didn’t have enough motivation already, consider that nothing on the menu at Seasons 52 has over 475 calories! Healthy living takes precedence with Chef Cliff but you’ll never feel deprived when treating yourself to a meal here. The entire experience, from atmosphere to food to service, is sublime.
Wine lovers will have a wonderful time learning and sampling the international selection of vintages. From Portugese Crasto to Russian River Chardonnay, there is something to please everyone at the table (and a full bar makes any type of beverage a possibility). George Miliotes recently recommended Sonoma Valley’s Seghesio Zinfandel in his monthly newsletter, calling it “lush, friendly and rich, with ripe berry fruits tempered with a spicy edge.” Overall, 60 wines are available by the glass, and 100 bottles are on hand to tempt you.
If the thought of being in the heart of the culinary action during your Bluegreen vacation makes your heart beat a little faster, book ahead to get the Chef’s Table, and plan on an amuse bouche, five-course meal, and delightful wine pairings.
Seasons 52 uses natural cooking techniques, including brick-oven cooking and wood-fire grilling. Caramelized vegetables practically sing with flavor. It all adds up to an adventure in flavor, in a beautiful setting, with friendly yet superbly professional staff. You couldn’t ask for more. Seasons 52 is definitely a delightful restaurant to visit during your Bluegreen vacation.
At the Plaza Venezia
7700 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
www.seasons52.com
(407) 354-5212
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