by Rachel L. Miller

Seasons 52 dining room.

"A healthy restaurant?" scoffed my friend Leigh-Anne. "Interesting. I guess we won't be finding any steak on that menu."

Her skepticism was understandable. Being raised in the Midwest on a hearty diet of meat and potatoes, we both were a bit apprehensive on hearing the Orlando restaurant at which we'd be dining was known for being "nutritionally balanced", with each menu item under 450 calories.

"Guess it'll be salad for both of us," she quipped as we pulled into the driveway of Seasons 52, an innovative restaurant that calls itself a "fresh grill and wine bar."

"Grilled salad," I added with a grin.

So, yes, our skepticism was understandable. However, it turns out that not only were we completely wrong in our prejudice, we ended up being fans of the restaurant's approach to food.

With a menu that changes every few weeks to reflect the freshest seasonal products (hence the restaurant's name) and an extremely extensive wine list, Seasons 52 even became a dining destination for our next visit to Orlando. As a city that immediately calls to mind family-friendly buffets, gargantuan portion sizes and quantity over quality, Seasons 52 has been a breath of fresh air in this sprawling citrus-infused tourist Mecca.

The dining area - every table completely full - was softly lit and carried an air of sophistication without feeling stodgy or formal. The bar area was lively and clotted with gorgeously groomed individuals, making me wonder if we had the good fortune to have stumbled upon the trendiest, most happening place in the city.

Our waitress appeared brandishing a glass cylinder of imported Norwegian water and carrying her trusty PDA, with which she places orders and uses to swipe customer's credit cards right at the table when it's time to pay the bill (great for those of us who have heard the horror stories of shady restaurant employees stealing credit card information once out of sight).

Sesame glazed salmon chops.

As we scanned the impressive menu filled with seafood, salad, sandwich and poultry options - and yes, there was even a filet mignon entrée - we decided to try one of the restaurant's flatbread appetizers. With seven grilled flatbread variations offered, our group of four gave in to temptation and chose two: grilled steak and Crimini mushroom flatbread and a vegetarian option topped with artichokes, goat cheese and fresh herbs. (CONTINUE...)