Light lunch options at Seasons 52

Just over a week ago, Seasons 52 debuted a few new lunch items to coincide with the fresh flavors of spring. If you’ve been in for lunch before, you already know they offered several light options for the midday meal—but their newest additions have been a big hit at the restaurant’s Biltmore location.

With three soft taco variations, several new sides, a wood-fired buffalo burger (free range and naturally raised Rocky Mountain buffalo, topped with blue cheese and truffle sauce), a BBQ/Jack Turkey burger and a wild prime tuna burger with an Asian glaze and wasabi slaw, there’s something for all eaters whether you’re looking for a meat fix or a vegetarian bite.

Last week, I planned an afternoon out with my mom and since we were headed in the direction of Biltmore’s shopping park, it was perfect timing to stop in for a light lunch and check out the new menu.

We arrived hungry and with a plan as we had already checked out the menu beforehand. You can never go wrong starting out with the hummus duo at Seasons 52, no matter if you’re in for lunch or dinner, which was exactly what we opted for as our appetizer. The Double Hummus & Crisp Sea Salt Lavosh is plenty to share and includes (my favorite) the minted edamame hummus and roasted red pepper hummus. Highly addictive.

We both had our eyes on the new soft taco selections (Blackened Mahi Mahi, Chimichurri Grilled Steak, or Vegetarian Black Bean and Roasted Pepper), served three to a plate with jalapeno-lime slaw, guacamole, pico de gallo, mole, salsa verde and cilantro sour cream. I opted for the Mahi Mahi and my mother chose the grilled steak variation.

The Blackened Mahi Mahi Soft Tacos had such light, fresh flavors, but were incredibly filling. The cilantro sour cream and guacamole added just enough decadence without drowning the fish (though the plate, just like all others at Seasons 52, is less than 475 calories). The blackened seasoning on the mahi mahi was perfect and added a kick of flavor to the delicate, fresh-flavored taco.

The Chimichurri Grilled Steak was a tad heavier—the steak was very tender and had a kiss of grill flavor, but overall the Mahi Mahi was the standout at our table. We hear the Vegetarian taco shan’t be passed up, we’ll try that one next time!

When we ordered, I underestimated how filling the tacos would be and selected three side dishes for us to taste and share… which ended up resulting in plenty of leftovers. Nothing wrong with that.

The Quinoa Grain Salad with crisp jicama, fresh mint and cranberries was an instant hit. If you really wanted to be on your ‘best behavior’, I could imagine this side as a modest lunch for one. I loved the textures and bite of the salad with the snap of the barley and crispness of the sweet jicama. Its bright, energetic flavors will be perfect on a warm afternoon, especially if you opt to dine on the patio.

The Tamale “Tots” are served with tomato-poblano mole and though they weren’t my favorite of the meal (I’ve never been a tamale fan), the accompanying mole was really, really good.

But, I am a potato gal. You won’t find deep-fried French fries here, but perhaps the next best thing… Roasted Idaho Potato Wedges with truffle dipping sauce. When my mom wanted to order these, I’ll admit, I didn’t think there would be anything special about them. I was wrong. They were super crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and their season made them almost impossible to stop eating. The truffle dipping sauce was indulgent and the perfect complement to the wedges.

If you’re tempted for something sweet at lunch, you can enjoy the same desserts that are presented during dinner and there is always a seasonal option available.

Overall, my personal favorites were the Mahi Mahi Tacos, Quinoa Grain Salad and Roasted Potato Wedges… with each generous portion coming in at under 475 calories, you can’t go wrong.

Visit seasons52.com to view their entire lunch and dinner menus or to make reservations.

Seasons 52 | 2502 E Camelback Rd | Phoenix, AZ | 85016 | 602-840-5252