Since its reopening last year near the Point Bridge in East Grand Forks, Seasons Family Restaurant has been regaining a following. It is serving good, basic food at prices that invite a fair trade in the morning and people who like to linger over dessert and pie in the afternoon.
Actually, I found the coffee above average on a couple of recent stops at Seasons. It costs $1.89, and you get enough to last all afternoon. The coffee had a freshly brewed taste about it.
The morning trade has been building up with people returning from winter stays in the south. The item called Daily Starter, with two eggs, two bacon strips, two sausage links, hash browns and two pancakes for $5.79, has turned into a drawing card.
While that's more than I can handle all at once, I have been pleased with the food and the service on two recent Sunday after-church visits. While parking is tight, there is plenty of room on the streets all around. Seating is orderly in one large room with booths and tables, as well as a side room. There are a few seats at the counter for those who prefer them, and there are windows all around.
Service is good. I placed my order for eggs, bacon and toast at 12:05 p.m. a week ago Sunday. My coffee came quickly. My two eggs over medium and bacon with plain toast came at 12:25 p.m., during the rush time.
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As I waited, I noticed one server with a tray held up to her shoulder by one hand and pouring water with her other hand into a glass on the tray.
This, I thought, is sheer skill. When I asked her how she could do it, she said she just figured it out. Her employer, Norm Braaten, said that is part of the reason Nichelle Larson is an assistant manager in the cafe. She figures things out.
While the restaurant is inviting, the silverware and napkins are adequate, but minimal.
You do get the feeling the new owners are in to stay. They took over after the restaurant had been closed five years. Shawn Sondreal works behind the scenes. Braaten is on the job in the kitchen. He has had restaurant experience at Denny's, Famous Dave's in Fargo and the Fireside Grill in Thompson.
Seasons Family Restaurant
300 Third Ave. NE
East Grand Forks
Telephone: 218-773-4165
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Owners: Norm Braaten, Shawn Sondreal
Seating: 110
Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
Eatbeat Report Card: A spacious, unpretentious everyday sort of restaurant with bargain prices of $5.99 on soup and sandwich combos. An unabashedly honest listing of desserts says "made fresh daily somewhere." Food is good. Service is good. Prices low with signature item of walleye dinner at $9.99 on Fridays.
