Turn, Turn, Turn to Seasons 52

Some people get turned off when they hear a restaurant is part of a chain. They think of a cookie-cutter product with no individual flare or personality. Others think “chain” can mean that the company has its act together and knows how to give the public what it wants with a formula that keeps working. Think what you want, but Seasons 52, which just opened its Colorado location, does seem to have its act together, with passion for its newly-planted Rocky Mountain roots.

Each of their nationwide locations has an Executive Chef Partner and Managing Partner who have a financial stake in the place and in the company as a whole. So if they all do well, they all benefit. If one doesn’t do its share, it effects all of them and, I’d imagine, they shun that restaurant’s team for being the yahoos who pulled them all down. I’m sure it’s nothing that vicious but it’s an amusing theory in my head. Matt Youssef is Colorado’s Managing Partner and Scott Futerfas is the Executive Chef Partner. Both men are very committed to Colorado and to the details of the food and beverage program.

The name “Seasons 52” comes from a seasonal menu that changes four times a year, the 52 weeks in the year and 52 wines they serve by the glass. They also serve wines by the bottle too, of course. Those who really take their wine seriously will enjoy the Chateau room which you can reserve for free, paying only for the food and drink you enjoy in this cozy room of bottles of wine. Every wine is chosen by Seasons 52’s George Miliotes, who we had the pleasure of meeting and learning from. George is one of fewer than 250 Master Sommeliers in the world! He knows wine the way I know, well…nothing. Although he isn’t Colorado based, he regularly provides training to all staff members so they can make knowledgeable wine and food pairing recommendations.

Located in a free-standing building away from the main part of Park Meadows Mall, and across the parking lot from Earl’s, Seasons 52 is lush. They could have done more, landscaping-wise with their outdoor patio (maybe next year) but they make up for it inside with two living trees in the dining room. The space is rich, elegant but comfortable and is as appropriate for a business meal as it is for a date or evening out with family.

We visited Seasons 52 during a preview just before officially opening and enjoyed a multi-course wine and food pairing/tasting dinner so that we could experience the range of offerings. Each menu item on Seasons 52’s menu has no more than 475 calories. That sounds fantastic but things can add up fast when you’re enjoying multiple courses! And you’ll want to.

We started with two of their signature Flatbreads (a menu item that is so trendy right now). Our favorite was the Lobster and Fresh Mozzarella. Great for sharing or for a light meal, they are served on a long plank. The Caramelized Scallops with Butternut Squash Risotto turned more than one scallop skeptic at the table into a believer. Plump, nicely seared and just salty enough, they were great.

The next course, a Warm Harvest Mushroom & Arugula Salad, had great flavor. But the truffle dressing and shaved Parmesan were too impactful. It was simply a case of too much of a good thing.

The surprise of the evening for me was the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli. with harvest vegetables and black trumpet mushrooms, it was served in a light, roasted onion jus. Beautiful and delicious, it was a welcome change from merely a drizzle of olive oil or a ladling of tomato sauce.

An Oak-Grilled Lobster Tail and Filet Mignon served with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a red wine sauce literally brought ooo’s and ahhhh’s up and down the long table in the Chef’s Table room, used for private events. The meat was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It was a real standout.

The dessert selection is really clever and tasty. Akin to bringing around the dessert cart and choosing off of it, they bring a flight of Mini Indulgence Desserts. The server explains what each little glass of deliciousness is, each a work of art each in its own right. At $2.75 each, choose which one(s) you want or have the whole rack left to share. How fun that would be with a group of friends?!

Prices for lunch range from $5.95-$21.50 and up to $27.50 for dinner. Chain or not, Seasons 52 is impressive. The sommelier, George Miliotes left such an impact on my co-reviewer, Thom Collyns, he’s writing up a separate blog post just on what he learned about wine from George. Watch for that soon.

Seasons 52 is located at 8325 Park Meadows Center Drive in Lone Tree.