Market-Friendly Seasons 52 Coming to Century City and Santa Monica

A Seasons 52, somewhere

By Lesley Balla

When a chain owned by the same people as the Olive Garden and Red Lobster start throwing around words like "farmers market-driven" and "seasonally inspired," we're naturally a little suspicious. Is it like McDonald's featuring their potato farmers in TV ads? Hopefully not, since Seasons 52, which has more than 20 locations around the country, claims it will be using produce from the same farmers that we and many chefs buy from every weekend. The first LA-area location opens in the former Houston's at the Westfield Century City mall on November 26, with an outpost in the former I Cugini spot in Santa Monica debuting in early 2013.

According to the press release, Seasons 52 will have a circular piano bar, abstract art and warm earth tones throughout the dining room, an open kitchen, and a patio with an herb garden, fireside tables and water features. Sounds pretty mall-like, but then again, so was Houston's. Apparently nothing on the menu - steak and cremini mushroom flatbreads, cedar plank roasted salmon, giant salads - is more than 475 calories, and that includes desserts. Cocktails are seasonal, as well, and there's a pretty massive wine list put together by master sommelier, George Miliotes. Something for everyone.

10250 Santa Monica Blvd.; 310-277-5252