Driving down Rockville Pike on any occasion, it is more than likely you have seen the large silver cursive “Seasons 52” right before Whole Foods.
For a formal, once a season dining out ‘experience’, the restaurant is a fine option. Ever so slightly expensive? Yes. Portions perfect for a much older crowd who probably do not eat much? Yes. But if you are coming here, that is not what you are worried about. What makes the night worth it is the cozy, moderately romantic atmosphere, topped off with food that looks as though it is worth the price.
Not too long after your expectedly sophisticated waiter takes our order from a menu filled with options for a variety of tastes and diets, the food arrives warm and well prepared. Appetizers, however, such as the lump crab cake, are especially pricey, given they are quite small in size. But the extra lettuce they throw on the side of your appetizer order will make it look slightly more worth it. Like the rest of the menu items, the crab cake can use some more salt, but anything could helped it taste a little less bland.
Dinner will arrive punctually, and the portions get more satisfying there. The food itself is fairly well made, such as the roasted vegetable gnocchi, with a nice blend between the denser parts and the vegetables. The meal is nothing to complain about. The menu also serves all, from the meat eater eager for an 8oz Filet Mignon or the salad enthusiast craving anything.
With an amusing ending to a fancy dining out, dessert is a circular display of ascending deserts portioned for one. With eight delicious options, it is a nice end to the night, consistent with the theme of small portions.
Other than a reservation, do not plan on any special treatments for birthdays on the spot.
At 11414 Rockville Pike, there is an up-scale dinner waiting for you. It closes at 10pm weekdays and 11pm weekends.
Article by Ryan Leal of Walter Johnson High School
Photo courtesy of Ryan Leal