Bravo, Seasons 52!

The new Seasons 52 Restaurant at the Cherry Hill Mall doesn't officially open till Monday (March 23) but we've already been inside this beautiful eatery where we met with General Manager Shannon Early and sampled many of the dishes.

And we can report to you that Seasons 52 is a fresh food/fresh eating delight!

From the minute you approach Seasons 52 you will feel special since the restaurant provides free valet parking and welcomes you with an entranceway that is inviting and soothing.

Inside, a spacious, airy feeling prevails with teak-toned wood, open fireplace, natural stone, gentle golden lighting and teal and earth tones. Both the main dining room and the bar room feature many booths and banquettes for comfortable seating and the chef's table up front is perfect for a small, intimate party. Even though the open kitchen runs along one entire wall of the dining room, the room is not noisy or shrill. Private party rooms are also available.

Live music is featured every night at Seasons 52 in the bar room. The bar is a large free-form pool shape with the music and the bartenders in the middle. Along the walls of the bar room are many cozy booths. It's a natural hub of activity and just perfect regardless of whether you're arriving alone or with friends.

The menu at Seasons 52 changes with the season and the chef features special dishes every week.

Dinner entrees (with sides) range from $16.00 to 27.00. Dinner salads are available in small ($5.00 - $7.00) or entree sizes ($12.00 - $15.00).

Flatbreads are among the best appetizers. These exceptionally thin crispy breads are extraordinary.

We sampled the gulf shrimp cocktail (large and firm), garlic chicken flatbread, baby spinach salad and mixed greens salad. Salads were beautifully prepared with a light vinaigrette dressing.

For entrees we tried the tiger shrimp penne pasta (like a pasta primavera with nice-sized shrimp) and the char crusted filet mignon (perfectly prepared).

To top it all off Seasons 52 offers a tempting selection of mini indulgences ($2.50 each) that include chocolate, mocha, cheesecake, pecan and key lime treats, among others.

The wine selection is outstanding and throughout the evening service was superb.

And here's one of the best parts: Every entree at Seasons 52 is 475 calories or less. Every entree!

The restaurant uses no cream or butter in cooking and nothing is fried.

Plus, the place is also open for lunch at equally attractive prices and once the weather gets a bit warmer outdoor seating will be available as well.

For South Jersey, Florida's Seasons 52 represents a whole new approach to dining.

You're gonna love it!

BTW: Our thanks to GM Shannon Early; our server Brett; and Rachel Summers, Cathy Schwartz and Michael Cianfrone of The Star Group for their kindness and attentiveness. Bravo!