Blogger Meet-up, Date Night & What I'm Eating : Seasons 52

The seasons are changing.  I love it.  The leaves. The smells of wood-burning fires.  The stylish wardrobe with layers, jeans, sweaters, boots.  But my favorite is the change in menus of many restaurants in the area; especially those who focus their menus greatly into what is ripe and in season.  One of those restaurants that prides themselves on wisely seeking fresh, regionally sourced meat, poultry, seafood and produce is Seasons 52 (at Keystone at the Crossing).  The head and sous chefs boldly experiment with flavors and ingredients while also focusing on healthy portions that create "seasonally-inspired" dishes with 475 calories or less. 

A couple weeks ago, I had the honor and privilege of getting to try Seasons 52's new Fall menu before they launched it to the public.  Talk about royal treatment.  Myself and 4 other local bloggers were treated to an amazing 12-course "tasting" along with carefully paired wines (picked out by our wonderful server, Jason).  This experience was so entertaining.  Not only did I enjoy the conversations with new acquaintances but the education we received from the head chef, Bill, was equally intriguing. 

Here were some of my favorites:

Grade A/Level 1 Seared Ahi Tuna

Organic Arugala Salad with portobello mushrooms, shaved Parmesan cheese and tossed in a truffle dressing.  (Who doesn't love the earthy flavors of truffles?)

NOT PICTURED: one of my absolute favorites was the Maple Leaf Farms Sesame Duck Chop Salad tossed with apples, butternut squash, dried cranberries and the surprise flavor of mint!  Yum!

Squash Trio: I was hoping there would be squash featured.  I was having a hankering so Autumn squash!

Brussels sprouts?  Seriously? Yes, they were great!  No offense, Mom, but yours have never tasted like these. 

(LEFT to RIGHT) Grilled Quail over broccoli; mashed sweet potatoes (not doused in butter or brown sugar, yet sweet and scrumptious); Cajun-style blackened Mahi 

We barely had enough room in our stomachs but we all found a spot for this amazing Mini Indulgence: layered Pumpkin Pie and gingersnap crust topped with sweet crème fraiche :)

Myself and the lovely ladies

Please check out these other amazing blogs:

• citynomnoms.wordpress.com
• basilmomma.com
• citynomnom.wordpress.com & entertaining-life-daily.blogspot.com
• foodplusfizz.blogspot.com

When I got home that night, I shared some of my leftovers with D.  A week later, when I was pushing for a DATE NIGHT, D suggested we go to Seasons 52; he wanted to check it out for himself. 

We went on a Saturday night with a reservation for 8:15, and when we arrived, it was a full house.  We actually elected to sit in a booth in the bar area rather than the large main dining room.  This turned out to be a great move because it was much quieter and made for easier conversation.  We also got to enjoy the live pianist who softly performed right in the bar (side by side with the bartenders).  Such a unique and classy touch.  I took more notice of the ambiance and decor.  Dark, intimate lighting.  Rich, deep wood paneling.  Natural stone. Open, airy kitchen.

I knew I was going to go for a seafood dish so I ordered a glass of vino, a South African Sauvignon Blanc, while D enjoyed a Sam Adams seasonal ale.  I loved the elegant table side wine pour (even just wine by the glass). We also went ahead and immediately ordered the Steak and Cremini Mushroom Flatbread - grilled, shaved steak, cremini mushrooms, gorgonzola cheese, sauteed onions and fresh basil. 


Absolutely amazing!

After a bit of back-and-forth, I decided to go with the Cedar-Planked Grilled Salmon which was accompanied with roasted red potatoes and grilled asparagus and carrots. 

It was an excellent choice.  The salmon was cooked perfectly, moist and seasoned just with a bit of salt and pepper and I loved the fresh veggies that came with it.  I also ordered the Squash Trio that I had enjoyed so much previously.

D went for the Grilled Lamb T-bone Chops; no surprise there!  3 medallions of perfectly grilled lamb served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and veggies.  D quickly devoured his meal; a sure sign that he thoroughly enjoyed it.  His only complaint was the amount of meat he received.  He thought it was a little sparse considering the higher prices than other restaurants in the area.  I tried to reassure him that the price goes into the quality and the careful sourcing. 

When the Mini Indulgence dessert tray came by I knew I had to try one.  Heck, for $2.50 each, I'd be surprised if there was ever a table that completely passed it up.  D swore he was stuffed but I forced a bite on him.  He's doesn't have the biggest sweet tooth.  I went with the Mocha Macciato. 

Light and fluffy. Sweet without being overindulgent. The perfect sweet cap for an amazing night out with D.

<3

Seasons 52
8650 Keystone Crossing
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 846-5252
www.seasons52.com

What I'm Eating: Slowly Exploring the South Side...Fireside Brewhouse & Yokohama Japanese Cuisine and Sushi House

I've lived on the south side of Indianapolis for almost 3 months.  I haven't checked out the local eateries as much as I'd like to but when I have, it's been nothing but pleasant surprises!...

FIRESIDE BREWHOUSE

Across the I-65 overpass from our house you'll find a plethora of retail shopping and restaurants.  It is a vast improvement from where we lived downtown.  D and I found a wonderful bar and grill right down the road from us.  Fireside Brewhouse, as described on their website is "a family-owned and operated restaurant designed to offer guests a superior Southside dining adventure."  I really liked the open, clean atmosphere.  There is a decent-sized bar area and 2 dining areas.  The staff is nice and friendly without being intrusive.  On our first visit we tried a dynamite appetizer, Fireside M-80s.  Lightly breaded and fried jumbo shrimp then tossed drenched in a sweet and spicy Thai-inspired sauce then garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.  They're placed on a bed of slaw that is equally integral to the whole dish.  

We also ordered a thin crust pizza to share between the two of us.  Upon recommendation, we chose the Luca Brazzi pizza which is topped with Italian sausage, onions and peppers.  We were both pretty disappointed with the pizza.  The crust was not memorable, the tomato sauce tasted store-bought, generic, uninspired and one bite and the whole top layer of cheese and toppings came off.

The proximity makes Fireside Brewhouse a go-to place on D and I's list.  I look forward to exploring their signature entrees and burgers which sound enticing.   I returned this past weekend to watch the unfortunate smack down of the Colts and ordered the M-80s again.  I was actually quite surprised that it wasn't more packed during the game. 

Fireside Brewhouse

997 East County Line Road
Greenwood, IN 46143

(317) 859-9505

YOKOHAMA JAPANESE CUISINE AND SUSHI HOUSE

The Bride and I were craving sushi a few weeks ago.  She had a consultation with the makeup lady in Greenwood so we Googled sushi restaurants in the area.  Yokohama is near the heart of downtown Greenwood in a house remodeled into a restaurant.  The exterior leaves little to be desired but boy, we weren't disappointed.  In fact, I had some of the best sushi in Indiana.  The interior is quaint yet comforting.  We settled into a booth and were greeted by a friendly woman who took our order as well as made our sushi rolls.  Their menu is quite extensive with entrees, bento boxes and a large selection of sushi rolls.  The rolls were a bit pricier than other places by a dollar or two.  To start, the Bride ordered a small salad and I went with edamame.  We decided to order two rolls and split them.  We went with the Crazy Crunchy Goben.  Tempura shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese and topped with bonito (fish flakes).  Fresh, crunchy, yummy.

The second one was the most imaginative, innovative, delicious roll I've ever had.  It is something that I crave and salivate over just at the thought.  I can't find the name but it is on Yokohama's House Signature Maki menu.  It is made with shrimp tempura, mango, cream cheese and wrapped with soy paper.   It is topped with a very generous amount of avocado.  Finally, a dollop of coconut cream tops it all.  They call it a dessert roll but I could eat this for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert. 

A friendly gentleman approached our table towards the end of our meal to ask how our experience went and how we had come across Yokohama.  I assume he was the owner.  I enjoyed how he discussed the menu and made sure we were satisfied.  I cannot wait to bring D along.

Yokohama Japanese Cuisine and Sushi House
67 North Madison Ave.
Greenwood, IN 46142
(317) 859-1888

FYI ---> Both Fireside Brewhouse and Yokohama Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar are participating in Savor the Southside which goes until September 18th.