Seasons 52 has been open nearly a year now and since opening has added a new twist to the food court’s culinary options with a dynamic menu changing with each season. In a city where the size of the steak often out-weighs its taste; the 475 calorie entrees leave patrons wondering how their Chili Relleno or Blackened Fish Tacos with chipotle cream could taste this good without all the preservatives and butter prevalent in other franchise restaurants. The concept of Seasons 52 is to feature local and seasonal meat, vegetables, and ingredients in portion sizes that remain consistent with the price, allowing diners to select a variety of items without hurting their budget or waistline.
My visit this weekend was the 2nd time I have eaten at Seasons 52, the first time being late last summer. I typically don’t enjoy franchise restaurants as I find the food to be overly preserved and overly seasoned to make up for long shelf lives of their ingredients. This made it that much more surprising when I discovered since this past summer I had been recommending a franchise restaurant all the while. In my, and Seasons 52’s defense, this isn’t your typical food court TGIFridays and it’s clear flavor and freshness is the top priority for this company. While I still remain steeply in favor of spending my dining dollars with local and unique restaurants, I can now admit that sometimes restaurant’s with great concepts become too popular to remain local.
My recommendation if you choose to enjoy Seasons 52 is simple, don’t get set on any one item. The price for items on this menu and the sizes of the entrees allows for either individual or shared appetizers, entrees, and the rarely seen dessert. For appetizers make sure you try the crisp bread, at least in a shared fashion with another appetizer. For entrees my suggestion is to stay clear of typical restaurant fare like the steak, lamb chops, or tenderloin and instead try the grilled rainbow trout, sesame duck chop salad, or if you want something a bit extra, the venison chop.
My visit this weekend included the go-to crisp bread along with a bottle of the Napa Valley Pinot Noir. One of the best features of the Seasons 52 wine list is the variety of bottles available for all budgets, and instead of paying 30 dollars for the usually laughable 5 dollar bottle the 20-30 dollar selection provides some undervalued but affordable options. Clearly the restaurant does not gauge patrons in wine price to make up for other inefficiencies, as can be the case at other eateries in this region. For entrees we ordered the chili relleno and blackened fish tacos. The most notable difference between these two entrees from other, name excluded, restaurants is the completely appropriate amount of sauce provided. 
The meal is presented with a light hand which allows for hearty portions in order to remain below 475 calories. The flavor of the sauces remain evident in every bite while not over powering the flavors of the ingredients and focus of the dish. Seasons 52 shows that the ingredients of the meal itself should be the basis of the flavor and not the subject of a conspiratorial sauce cover up to confuse the eater to finish their vegetables.
The best part of Season 52 might be the desert which is served in shooter glasses for 3-bucks which allows the diner to finish a meal with the well deserved sweet tooth treat while avoiding a massive addition to the bill and calorie count. 
A good go to is the carrot cake which provides 6 solid bites shared between two people or authoritatively guarded for just one. We finished our meal with 2 appetizers, a good bottle of wine, 2 entrees, and deserts for under 80 dollars, a feat otherwise undo-able for a 3 course and wine meal. Without the bottle of wine the meal could have been just over 50, averaging around 25 dollars per patron.
While we want nothing more than readers to be adventurous and give local restaurants support by letting them do what they do best and cook you a meal, it is nice to find an affordable franchise restaurant which doesn’t make you feel guilty at the end of the meal. We think there is room in Tysons Corner for both culinary options, and if a quick affordable meal is what you are looking for then Seasons 52 is absolutely different than the conceived notions of a mall food court restaurant.