New Spring Menu Debuts at Seasons 52

Artichoke & Goat Cheese Flatbread

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With Easter upon us and Spring in full swing, Seasons 52 (with nine restaurants throughout Florida) has launched a new menu that highlights the freshest flavors of the vernal season. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek (or sneak taste, rather) of the new recipes, and much to my delight found that artichokes play a lead role in two of the new starters. Artichoke-stuffed artichoke leaves with Parmesan cheese and a balsamic glaze are a quick treat, and the artichoke & goat cheese flatbread (with spinach and roasted peppers) is so satisfying it can stand on its own as a meal.

New entrees include Columbia River steelhead trout (excellent in a lemongrass sauce) and lamb T-bone chops (lamb filet AND strip, need I say more? Yes: It's accompanied by truffle mashed potatoes). As tasty as these dishes are, the wines, paired by master sommelier George Miliotes end up stealing the show. The corvina veronese (by Allegrini Palazzo della Tora) paired with the lamb — which Miliotes referred to as "turbo charged" — is among the most flavorful dry reds I've ever tasted.

On the other end of the vino spectrum, a semi-sweet riesling (by Selbach-Oster) is a perfect complement to raspberry-mango cheesecake and pecan pie dessert shooters. Miliotes says he has added these wines to his "try it before it's famous" list. I agree that they're worth seeking out, as are the artichoke and lamb dishes. And somehow, each is under 475 calories. I'm not sure how they squeeze so much flavor into so few calories.

Tags: dining | Florida restaurants | food & drink