Seasons 52

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A Culinary Journey You Can't Miss

Visit Orlando's Magical Dining® Presented by Orlando Health is back, running from August 16 through September 30, 2024, offering food enthusiasts an opportunity to indulge in some of the city’s finest culinary experiences at a fraction of the cost. It’s that special time of year when food lovers get to embark on a culinary adventure that’s as delightful for the palate as it is for the wallet. With an array of top-notch restaurants across the region offering prix fixe multi-course menus, it’s the perfect opportunity to savor the best of Orlando’s dining scene, all while supporting local charities. This year, my gastronomic journey took me to a gem I hadn’t yet discovered: Seasons 52 in the Dr. Phillips area of West Orlando along the famed Restaurant Row.

Word about Seasons 52 had already reached me before I even stepped through the door. A fellow swimmer at my local pool had dined there the night before and couldn’t stop raving about it. My expectations were set high, and I was eager to see how the restaurant would live up to the glowing reviews.

As we arrived, a late summer squall had just passed, leaving the lake beside the restaurant shimmering under a calm sky. The serene setting immediately set the tone for what was to come—tranquil yet inviting, with an air of sophistication that was anything but pretentious.


Upon entering, we were greeted by rich, dark wood beams that framed the space, complemented by earth tones that felt both cozy and elegant. To our left, a thin spiral staircase beckoned exploration, while the stunning bar area and a nearby wine room hinted at more delights to come. The open kitchen, visible from our booth, added a layer of warmth, as we watched the chefs work their magic with a quiet efficiency that promised something special.

Our server, Clinton, welcomed us with a warmth and charm that immediately put us at ease. He shared a lighthearted comment about enjoying his workday with less traffic on America’s Labor Day and made us feel right at home. As Clinton introduced us to the Magical Dining menu, he encouraged us to explore both it and the regular menu, offering flexibility in our choices. But we were already drawn to the idea of sampling the specially curated offerings, knowing we could always return to try more.


Now, here’s where our dining experience took a delightful twist: we decided to start with dessert. Yes, dessert first! Clinton, fully embracing our family’s unconventional approach, introduced us to Seasons 52’s signature “Mini Indulgences,” a selection of desserts served in shot glasses. He even used a special penlight to highlight each option as he described them in mouthwatering detail. From the rich and creamy tiramisu to the tangy key lime pie, Clinton’s favorite, each dessert was a tiny masterpiece. The s’mores was a deconstructed delight featuring a graham cracker “stick” aside a toasty marshmallow with multitudes of dark chocolate, all layered over a thin cake base. My daughter and I chose this indulgence, savoring every bite, while her boyfriend couldn’t resist the pecan pie—a dessert that evoked fond memories of childhood afternoons spent with a nearly 100-year-old neighbor who used to bake it for him after he completed lawn work in the Florida heat.

With dessert complete, we turned our attention to the main event. Clinton assured us that while the price was a fraction of the usual cost, the portions were still generous. “It’s a lot of food,” he chuckled, and he wasn’t kidding.


Our meal officially began with flatbreads, one topped with sun-roasted tomatoes and another with tomatoes and freshly sliced pepperoni. The flavors were vibrant and bursting with freshness, the kind that makes you appreciate the simplicity of well-prepared ingredients. The sun-roasted tomatoes had a sweetness that balanced the savory notes of the flatbread, while the pepperoni, with its freshly sliced presentation, offered a depth of flavor that was truly exceptional. We couldn’t finish them, though, as Clinton had already warned, so to-go boxes were promptly provided.

Next, we had a choice between soup and salad. I opted for the Caesar salad, a classic done right with crisp romaine, a light dressing, and no croutons, just as I like it. My daughter’s boyfriend, on the other hand, chose the chicken tortilla soup, a dish Clinton confessed he was obsessed with. “I’m eating that every single day until it’s off the menu,” he said with a smile. The soup was hearty and comforting, with just the right amount of spice to make it interesting without overwhelming the palate.


For our main courses, I couldn’t resist the filet mignon, and Clinton didn’t bat an eye when I requested it well done. The steak was cooked perfectly to my specifications, tender, and flavorful, with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and perfectly roasted asparagus that made the meal feel indulgent yet balanced. My daughter’s scallops were a sight to behold, arranged in two neat rows and more plentiful than she had ever seen. Each scallop was seared to golden perfection, and they sat atop a bed of milky risotto, complemented by crisp-tender asparagus that added a nice contrast in texture.



Meanwhile, her boyfriend’s cedar plank salmon was a revelation. Having spent years in the Pacific Northwest, I was excited for him, the smoky notes from the cedar plank brought back memories of some of the best salmon I’ve ever had. The salmon was accompanied by tiny, flavorful potatoes and green beans that were cooked just right, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The meal was so enjoyable that it stretched over several hours, with each of us savoring every bite and sharing tastes of our dishes with one another.

Throughout the meal, Clinton’s attentive service and playful banter added to the experience. He even joked with us about our “dessert first” mentality, sharing that the kitchen staff found it amusing and a little inspiring. The only thing we missed out on was a cookie dessert concoction that hadn’t been finished yet because we dined so early, but that’s just one more reason to return to Seasons 52.

In the end, Seasons 52 didn’t just meet our expectations; it exceeded them in every way. The combination of superb service, an inviting atmosphere, and the food, which was so extraordinary that it challenges even a seasoned food writer like me to capture its essence, has undoubtedly secured this restaurant a permanent place on our list of favorites. Thanks to Orlando’s Magical Dining, we’ve discovered a new culinary treasure, and we’ll undoubtedly be back to explore more of what Seasons 52 has to offer. If you’re lucky enough to dine here, and even luckier to have Clinton as your server, you’re in for a treat that’s as magical as the dining experience itself.



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