Robert N.
Yelp
Seasons 52 - Always a great dining choice
The second stop on Robin's birthday weekend dining tour brought us to Seasons 52, and it did not disappoint. While we're eagerly anticipating the Rancho Cucamonga location opening at Victoria Gardens, we made the scenic Sunday drive to Costa Mesa--joined by my mom--for a seasonal and elegant culinary experience.
From the moment we arrived, the team made Robin feel special with a warm birthday welcome, a thoughtful card, and a celebratory glass of prosecco to toast the occasion.
We started with a trio of incredible appetizers. Robin chose the Ahi Tuna Tartare, a vibrant tower of sushi-grade, handline-caught tuna layered with creamy avocado and sweet mango salsa, kicked up with a hint of wasabi and sriracha. Crisp lavash crackers added the perfect crunch. My mom and I dove into the Summer Corn Soup, a velvety bowl of sunshine--rich, creamy, and brimming with sweet wood-grilled corn, smoky bacon, and fresh parsley. It was summer in spoonfuls.
For the main course, Robin ordered the Wood-Grilled Dry-Rubbed Pork Chop, seared and finished with a bright lemon-honey glaze. It came paired with tangy braised German red cabbage and golden raisins for a sweet-and-savory twist. To elevate the dish, she added a few Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops, beautifully marked from the oak-fire grill--she declared them perfectly cooked and melt-in-your-mouth good.
My mom opted for the Wild Alaska Salmon, a flaky and flavorful filet served atop mascarpone risotto with roasted asparagus, finished with a lemon-fennel relish. She raved about the salmon and relish, though the risotto wasn't quite her thing.
I went for the Kona-Crusted Lamb Loin, a standout dish featuring tender, juicy lamb grilled to a perfect medium-rare with a bold Kona coffee crust. It was topped with herb butter and rested on creamy Yukon mashed potatoes, with roasted asparagus on the side. Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.
Dessert? Naturally, we indulged in a sampling of their signature Mini Indulgences:
* The Peanut Butter Chocolate was a chocoholic's dream, layered with mousse, ganache, and crowned with a dark chocolate peanut butter cup.
* The Turtle Cheesecake brought together creamy cheesecake, salted caramel, and dark chocolate ganache, all topped with whipped cream and a candied pecan.
* And the Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cannoli was a playful and refreshing finale, with whipped mascarpone, raspberry drizzle, and a crisp cinnamon cannoli shell.
From start to finish, the service was exceptional--attentive, friendly, and never rushed. Seasons 52 continues to impress with its seasonal menus, peak-fresh ingredients, and commitment to light yet flavor-forward fare (yes, everything on the menu is under 595 calories--with no deep fryer in sight!). It's a rare gem that lets you indulge and feel good about it.
We can't wait for the Rancho location to open--but until then, the drive to Costa Mesa is well worth it.