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dining review

Must Eats: New Signature Mini Indulgences at Seasons 52

29 April 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Seasons 52 Spring Menu I remember when Seasons 52 opened here in the Orlando area, I was excited about their concept of no butter, no frying, and all meals under a certain number of calories, along with seasonal menus for constant updating and freshness. But then life got in the way and I never did try it out. Boy am I sorry I didn’t try it sooner. Seasons 52 invited me out to try their new additions to their Signature Mini Indulgences desserts, and I am now a convert! If you don’t follow me on twitter or instagram or facebook, let me fully extol the virtues of these desserts – just read on!

First, Seasons 52 was smart, and had a whole set up for the tasting, we got to pick one of their popular flatbreads, then all the desserts were brought out and paired with three different wines to complement the different flavors in each dessert. Brilliant. Since we had never been there before, I was so glad we got to try some of the food too. We chose the Grilled Garlic Pesto Chicken, which is made with roasted red peppers, balsamic onions, mozzarella, arugula and a pesto caesar dressing. It was delicious. Just the right size to share (we actually could’ve shared with more than the two of us, but since we didn’t eat lunch, it was perfect. The pesto was so flavorful and everything tasted so fresh and just the right amount of crunch with the flatbread. I will definitely be ordering this again, or trying one of the other flavors.

 

Grilled Chicken Flatbread Seasons 52

Grilled Chicken Flatbread Seasons 52

Next, they brought out the desserts, and we got to try all NINE kinds, which again, was brilliant because there is no way I could’ve decided which to try on my own.

Seasons 52 Signature Mini Desserts

 

Seasons 52 Signature Mini Desserts
Seasons 52 Tasting Menu
Seasons 52 Wine
Wine selections: Port, Reisling, and Malbec
Seasons 52 Signature Mini Desserts
In the back, Key Lime, Mocha Macchiato to the left, Carrot Cake in front
Seasons 52 Signature Mini Desserts
S’mores on the right, Lemon Curd with Blueberries in back, Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte on the left
Seasons 52 Signature Mini Desserts
Pecan Pie in the back right, Raspberry Chocolate Chip Canoli on the front left, Butterscotch and Sea Salt Budino in the back left
Seasons 52 Signature Mini Desserts
Better look at the Butterscotch Budino on the left

The newest flavors added to the menu starting today are:

  • The decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte begins with chocolate cake baked in-house.  The rich cake is layered with chocolate sauce, peanut butter mousse and chocolate peanut crunch, then garnished with a tuile – a housemade peanut crisp.
  • The Belgian Chocolate S’More is Seasons 52’s take on the classic campfire treat. This new Mini Indulgence features chocolate cake layered with chocolate mousse and chocolate chips, then topped with a toasted marshmallow and a chocolate dipped graham cracker.
  • The new Fresh Blueberries & Lemon Curd mini features vibrant, creamy lemon curd slow-cooked in-house at Seasons 52. The curd is mixed with blueberries, topped with whipped cream, and finished with a sprig of Chervil.

Also appearing seasonally and are:

  • Butterscotch Budino with Salted Caramel – a rich butterscotch custard topped with caramel, finished with Hawaiian black sea salt and a dollop of sour cream (currently available)
  • Toasted Almond Amaretto Crunch – almond cake soaked in Amaretto DiSaronno, layered with glazed Marcona almonds, vanilla mousse and a pipette of amaretto
  • Bing Cherry Crème Brulee – Bing cherry compote topped with housemade vanilla custard cream and a bruleed crisp sugar top

And the favorites that are remaining on the menu:

  • Pecan Pie with Vanilla Bean Mousse and a cinnamon honey-glazed pecan
  • Carrot Cake with Cinnamon Honey with cream cheese icing and a candied carrot garnish
  • Key Lime Pie with toasted meringue and a double layered graham cracker crust.
  • Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cannoli with a cinnamon cannoli shell
  • Mocha macchiato with chocolate cake, caramel sauce and whipped cream.

It was SO hard to choose a favorite. The ones I loved most were the Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte, because unlike many peanut butter desserts, this was not too sweet and fake-tasting. The peanuts on top were just the perfect crunch. I also loved the Pecan Pie, again, not too sweet. And of course, the S’mores, it’s hard not to like chocolate! If you’re looking for a light and refreshing option, the Fresh Blueberries and Lemon Curd is for you. The blueberries were perfectly in season, plump and juicy. I also really loved teh Butterscotch Budino. This is like your old favorite butterscotch pudding all grown up. The Hawaiian black sea salt was ridiculous. It brought out all of the butterscotch and caramel flavors and made your taste buds dance. I need to plan my next visit just writing about this now!

I really was pleasantly surprised by Seasons 52 and must go back and give it a try for a full meal. Again, kicking myself for not trying it all these years! If you weren’t aware, all the menu items are under 457 calories and as mentioned above, no butter, no frying. They also have a variety of special dietary needs menus, including dairy free, vegan, and gluten free. The menu changes seasonally, with an additional seasonal specials section added each week and also boast an international selection of 100 wines.

Special thanks to Seasons 52 for inviting us out to try their menu. The tasting menu was complimentary but my reactions and opinions are my own. You can visit www.Seasons52.com, like them on Facebook at Facebook.com/Seasons52 or follow @Seasons52 on Twitter – and call your closest location to make reservations or also book through OpenTable.com. Now go get some dessert!

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Reviews, Top Stories Tagged With: Darden restaurants, dining review, healthy dining, healthy restaurants, low calorie meals, Mini desserts, Orlando area dining, Orlando dining, Orlando restaurants, Seasons 52, Seasons 52 review, Signature Mini Indulgences, Tampa dining, Tampa restaurants

Floridian Ingredients Meet Country Italian Creations at Downtown Disney’s Portobello

26 January 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Portobello
Portobello's beautiful exterior

With so many amazing dining options at Walt Disney World, and for most visitors, a limited amount of days to enjoy them, it can be difficult to experience them all. I will admit that even as a local, it’s easy to pass by some restaurants and just go with what you’re used to. Our family dinner at Portobello last weekend is proof that it’s important to branch out – you may get pleasantly surprised by the delicious creations that lay in wait.

It was a bit chilly the night we arrived for our 6:30 reservation, and the first thing my family remarked on were the cool outdoor heaters the restaurant had, like little obelisks of fire inviting you into the atmosphere. The stone front conjures a feel of a cozy country cottage, and as you step inside the smell of the wood-fired pizza ovens make for an instant welcome. Some of you may have heard of Portobello’s meatball bar, featuring its famous meatball sliders. I actually enjoyed those on my last visit there, over a year ago, so as a result, I wanted to be sure to try some of the other options Portobello’s menu had to offer.

Our wonderful server, Matt, explained some of the appetizer options and we decided to branch out from our usual family favorite, Calamari. We ordered the Portobello Mushroom, the Sambuca Shrimp and kept the kids happy with the fried Calamari. The Portobello Mushroom was perfection on a plate. Sliced portobello mushrooms on a bed of polenta (a favorite of mine) with Gorgonzola cheese on top and a rosemary demi-glaze that was, as Matt said, worthy of dipping your bread in and cleaning the plate. It was delicious.

 

Portobello Mushroom appetizer
Portobello Mushroom appetizer

 

The Sambuca shrimp was a very unique dish, given a little drama when it’s flambéed table-side. The Sambuca gives the shrimp a sweet flavor and even my adventurous 11 year-old daughter tried one and loved it.

 

Sambuca Shrimp flambe
Sambuca Shrimp flambeed table-side

 

Sambuca Shrimp
Sambuca Shrimp

 

The Calamari was also excellent and not to be discounted just because it’s standard Italian appetizer fare. It’s so easy to overcook these, making them greasy or rubbery, but Portobello’s were neither – they were crisp and light.

 

Calamari
Calamari with marinara sauce

 

On to the entrees, my daughter and I both had the Gnocchi with pork ragu, which was large enough to feed the whole table. The gnocchi were wonderful and I’d never had a pork ragu before, but it was hearty and delicious. Portobello really knows how to do their sauces. We both had lots of leftovers!

 

Gnocci with Pork Ragu
Gnocchi with Pork Ragu

 

My husband ordered the Black Linguini with Florida Rock Shrimp, served with asparagus, tomatoes and garlic. The black linguini is made that color from squid ink, something we had tried at home and my husband knew he loved. It’s kind of crazy to see black pasta on your plate, but there really isn’t a noticeable taste difference from regular pastas. He loved his dish and said it was prepared wonderfully.

 

Black Linguini with Florida Rock Shrimp
Black Linguini with Florida Rock Shrimp

 

My son, the picky eater, ordered the Flat Iron Steak and loved it. It was sliced and cooked just the way he likes it. I tried it and the seasonings were just right. He also surprised me and ordered roasted potatoes instead of fries. I guess his 13 year-old palate is changing!

Our littlest guy was not left out as their kids menu really has something for everyone. I thought our 3 year-old would order pasta but he’s been on a hot dog kick lately. He was perfectly contented with his meal, plus the table top is covered with paper, which kept ALL of us entertained in between enjoying the food.

We were all completely stuffed from all the amazing chef creations, but felt, in the interest of the review, it was our duty to order dessert. You know, for the readers. 😉 Matt did a great job of explaining all the desserts available and my husband went with the Panna Cotta, I chose the Espresso Cake (no surprise for those that know my love of coffee), and the kids all tried a different flavor of Gelato.

Phillip, the wonderful assistant general manager that chatted with us throughout dinner came over to see how we were and was shocked we didn’t order the Biramisu for dessert. We told him we were tempted but were won over by our choices. He said we had to try it and brought over two orders mid-way through our dessert. He explained how instead of espresso, they used Orlando Brewing’s Organic Porter. If you hadn’t told us there was beer in it, we’d never know. It was extremely sweet and smooth, a wonderful take on this classic dessert. Definitely a must-try when you go.

 

Biramisu
Biramisu with Orlando Brewing Organic Porter

 

The Espresso Cake was wonderful as well, almost a combination of coffee-flavored cheesecake mixed with a cookie dough consistency, with chocolate chips. Sinfully good. My husband’s Panna Cotta was without a doubt, my favorite (and his too). Similar to flan in texture but with no eggy taste, this was light and creamy and just melted in your mouth. It is topped with a local Winter Park honey sauce with strawberries on the side and I just can’t say enough about it. It was the perfect amount of sweet without feeling too heavy. In my opinion, another must-try.

 

Panna Cotta
Panna Cotta with Winter Park Orange Blossom Honey

 

 

I was really surprised that Portobello incorporates so many local Floridian ingredients and still turns them into classic Italian dishes we all know and love. The same Winter Park orange blossom honey used in the Panna Cotta is also put into their lemonade, which was incredibly delicious. My daughter loved it. I would’ve ordered it too if I hadn’t loved my Cafe Shakerato (iced coffee with a hint of vanilla that instantly endeared me to Portobello – they speak my language!). It is a unique way to make Portobello stand out from other Italian options and expand our palates as well. In two words – it works.

All in all, the meal was all hits with no misses. The staff is knowledgeable and personable, making you feel like family and the chefs bring out the entrees, reminding you that this is in fact, home to culinary prowess. As I was tweeting parts of our dinner the other night, I received many replies from people that hadn’t given Portobello a try – to them I say definitely add this to your list. And locals, it makes a great date night spot too, with beautiful views! I think perhaps the best recommendation comes from my son – his 13th birthday is on Monday and when asked where he wants to have his birthday dinner this weekend, without hesitation he said, “well after Sunday, Portobello!”. Done.

 

Great thanks to Levy Restaurants, who provided us with our complimentary dinners for this review. This compensation did not in any way influence my review and the fact that we’re heading back there this weekend should be proof of that. In addition to Portobello, Levy Restaurants also runs Fulton’s Crab House and Wolfgang Puck’s Grand Cafe, two other great options at Downtown Disney. Also huge thanks to our server, Matt and the assistant General Manager Phillip, who gave us a tour of Fulton’s after dinner which provided us with both some amazing views of Downtown Disney, and memories to last a lifetime. You can check out more photos from our dinner at my facebook page: facebook.com/zannaland.

family at Fulton's
Our family photo atop Fulton's Crab House
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Filed Under: Commentary Land, Disney Dining, Disney Movie News & Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: Biramisu, Black linguini, dining review, Disney Dining, Disney dining reviews, Downtown Disney, family dining, Florida ingredients, Fulton's Crab House, gnocchi, Levy Restaurants, local ingredients, organic, Orlando Brewing, panna cotta, Portobello, Portobello restaurant, Portobello restaurant review, restaurant review, Sambuca Shrimp, Winter Park honey, Wolfgang Puck's Grand Cafe

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