Seasons 52 unveils new summer menu
Chilled Lobster & Shrimp Spring RollsCompany Description: “With cool salsa verde, aromatic lemongrass and sweet-hot red chili.Chain: Seasons 52. Calories: 270. That's right, 270. The shrimp and lobster do bring along 82 mgs. of cholesterol and 1,458 mgs. of salt, but this is otherwise a low-fat, low-sugar dish with 38 grams of carbs.
Chilled Lobster & Shrimp Spring Rolls
Company Description: "With cool salsa verde, aromatic lemongrass and sweet-hot red chili.
Chain: Seasons 52.
Calories: 270. That's right, 270. The shrimp and lobster do bring along 82 mgs. of cholesterol and 1,458 mgs. of salt, but this is otherwise a low-fat, low-sugar dish with 38 grams of carbs.
Location: The Cherry Hill Mall.
Price: $10.95
Review: If you've never been to a Seasons 52 (there's also one in King of Prussia) it's like the anti-Cheesecake Factory. While the latter chain bombards you with huge portions and oodles of calories, Seasons 52 takes a healthy approach. The dishes are tasty and interesting but no dish has more than 475 calories and the yummy desserts (granted, they're small) usually top out under 300 calories (and they're only $2.50 each). There are lots of vegetarian choices and the restaurant will prepare food for just about any food allergy. Since the chain tries to use as much local and seasonal food as possible, the menu changes with the seasons. The Chain Gang was invited to taste the restaurant's new summer dishes and the chilled lobster & shrimp spring rolls were a definite stand-out. They're not fried, but they're still flavorful, with lots of shrimp and lobster. The new lower-fat Piedmontese bone-in strip steak was a little disappointing — trading a cow's fat for muscle does diminish the taste and tenderness — but a steak for under 500 calories doesn't have to be an occasional indulgence for the waistline. Although at $28.95, you will need a fat wallet. The Copper River Salmon ($27.95), in season for only a little while longer, was delicious. The Gang also tried almost all the mini-indulgence desserts and you can't go wrong with any of them. Seasonal desserts include the Blueberry Cheesecake and the Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cannoli.
Summary: Seasons 52 is a beautifully designed high-end chain catering to the healthy eater who likes a good wine list. It isn't cheap, but it isn't competing with less expensive family restaurants. If you're looking for a very good meal, with natural ingredients, that doesn't sacrifice flavor but does sacrifice fat and sugar, Seasons 52 is probably your best chain option — and one of your best restaurant options.