8 Seasons Grille opened in July on the corner of Bassett Street and W. Main Street in the space formerly occupied by Jo’s Tazzina. While I think it’s great to have a true neighborhood restaurant (like in bigger cities), I worry that its location will be its downfall, with so many students living nearby and so little parking (a free lot down the street; otherwise, find something on the street).
It’d be a shame if the parking issue prevents people from coming, because the food is really good. I stopped in shortly after it opened and ate the seafood ravioli, which was a tasty appetizer. In a second, more recent visit, the menu had changed (one of eight times per year), and I tried the duck, the pork tenderloin and the meatballs.
The duck was moist and tender, though I would have liked it slightly rarer. It came with blue mashed potatoes and a butternut squash puree, and I liked the salty and sweet contrasts abutting the two duck breasts.
Meanwhile, the pork tenderloin came in a mustard cream sauce that was absolutely fantastic. In fact, I even dipped some of my duck into the sauce–it was that good. My only wish was that the dish came with more pork and fewer apples, which were sauteed with the pork.
The meatballs were a shared dish (there are six on the menu). They were drenched in a orange barbeque sauce that enhanced the otherwise average-tasting meatballs.
For dessert, I sampled the creme brulee. It was served in three individual bowls, with each having its own flavor–pumpkin spice, amaretto and caramel. All three were unique, with my nod for a favorite going to the amaretto.
8 Seasons has outdoor seating and a full bar. It serves breakfast (including fresh baked goods), lunch and dinner every day. Click here for more photos.
