Santa Monica, CA
July 19, 2015
On a warm yet rainy LA summer Sunday we sat down to enjoy a once-a-year prix fixe dining experience at Season’s 52 in Santa Monica, California. Our waiter Nick placed the Dine LA menus on the crisp white linen table and shared their numerous options from Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli to an Ahi Tuna Crunch Entree Salad or the Warm Spinach Salad (my favorite) with extensive wine pairings to boot. Our goal was simple – to eat well and opt for both vegetarian and fish-friendly meal with a fine selection of seafood and upscale comfort foods.
Located on Ocean and Broadway in the lively downtown Santa Monica quarter facing the Pacific, replete with shops, restaurants, tourists and a sweet view of the summer sunset. Inside is dark woods, broad tables, candle light with intimate place settings yet spacious seating. One of several locations, this elegant and casual restaurant creates a great vibe at Seasons 52 marine-bound location.
The starters were a selection of warm, crisp flatbreads for sharing with friends included Grilled Garlic Chicken Pesto and Roasted Roma tomato. They were served simply on long wooden cutting boards and loaded with caramelized onions and fresh aromatic basil. The Chicken pesto with arugula was an instant favorite and a favorite entree was their amazing take on a old Southern favorite – Shrimp and Grits, with a creamy roux-like slightly spiced sauce over sauteed shrimp and chorizo with rich, thick cheddar grits. The Cedar plank Salmon was well executed and perfectly done, paired with wonderful roasted new potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Overall, it was wonderful to experience a selection of seasonal fare that is both comforting and rich as well as lighter fare loaded with flavor.
The adjunct wine pairing selection is equally generous yet easy – no fuss with a standing selection of whites and a longer, more robust offering of local California reds and bottles from South America, French and Italian regions. The flavor offerings of starters like Salumi Piccante or Grilled Steak and Blue Cheese flatbreads
Our meal concluded with a cheerful offering of excellent mini-indulgences inspired by the best of European desserts, cool and decadent glassware filled to the brim with the richness of a crème brulee and key lime pie in layers. Our table favorites included the Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte and blissful Belgian chocolate (I could only handle 2 bites).
The meal began with a wine flight of Pinot Grigio, Montevina 2013 with notes of pear, lemon zest, nutmeg, white flowers and a crisp finish, then the Chardonnay, Charles & Charles 2013 with notes of quince, apple, caramel, vibrant, broad finish and the third course was completed with Syrah Rose, Casas del Bosque 2014 with flavors of strawberry, watermelon, hibiscus and a delicate, lingering and bright finish.
Thank you to the Seasons 52 staff and kitchen for an amazing Dine LA experience!
