"Most of all we aim to offer good quality, honestly sourced produce, cooked well without too much…read morefuss alongside a short, well considered drinks list within a warm, welcoming, convivial room."
The above is an excerpt from their menu and I can attest that they live up to all of it:
Let me start with a description of the restaurant: Season is located on Stroud Green Road just a short walk from Finsbury Park Station...yes, it's not a fancy neighbourhood and indeed, Season kind of stands out in its well-thought-through interior. In fact, I kind of fell in love with what the folks here have accomplished: they have really paid attention to details and thus make the dining experience a true joy for all senses! (I especially liked the overall simplicity of this place, such as using packaging paper as table "cloth" and fixing it to the table with metal clips!)
From the stylish, yet very cozy interior, to the food...may I quote from the menu again: "Generally our focus is British, French and Italian but our inspiration very often comes from further afield." And indeed, the inspiration for my dish came from further away, as I enjoyed a Roast Pumpkin Curry with Spinach, Peas and Basmati Rice. The Indian touch to this dish was undeniable and I very much liked the slight tingling in my mouth after every bite...which I then extinguished with a sip from the excellent house red...
Oh, before I forget to mention it: in true fine-dining manner, as amuse-bouche I was offered a couple of spicy-cheesy Parmesan Crisps. These were followed by a couple of thick slices of dense, moist and wholesome bread. (I assume the bread was home-made as it looks just like the bread that I make at home and it tasted equally well!) Also, immediately after sitting down, I received a bottle of tap water; this gesture made me extra happy, as I hate having to ask for it!
Now, the waiting tandem also deserves a special mention: they were very attentive and one of them (presumably the owner?) went around the dining room to have a little chit-chat with the guests. As this place has opened rather recently, there were quite a few guests, who'd been here for the first time and simply wanted to hear more about their philosophy. Somehow he didn't chat with me that long though, but I guess since I was writing my journal, he simply didn't want to disturb me.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my dining-experience at Season Kitchen and if I had to sum it all up in one sentence, I'd say: Fine dining yet without the usual dent to your checking account!