Good Stuff: Hatfield's Re-Opens!
Hatfield's, one of my favorite restaurants in LA, has just re-opened in a larger, grander space after being closed since August 2009. The previous space on Beverly Boulevard was small, to say the least. I think it had literally 6 or 7 tables inside with some patio seating. As limiting as I'm sure that was from a business perspective, it made for a beautifully intimate setting which was part of the restaurant's charm, in my opinion.
So, when Hatfield's re-opened at the old Citrus space on Melrose last week, I was dying to see whether it would be as good as it was before the move. The answer is a resounding yes. Although the new space doesn't have the off-beat intimacy of the old location, it is pretty, spare and contemporary in a wonderfully quiet way that allows the food to be the star. And the food just plain rocks.
Let's start with their gimlet--best gimlet I've had in LA, hands-down--sorry Ivy lovers. As far as the menu, I've never been to Hatfield's without being tempted into doing the tasting menu and this night was no different. They didn't have the old seven-course tandem tasting menu (this allowed you to create your own tasting menu from a seasonal selection--maybe next time?), but you had the option of going a-la-carte or doing a four-course seasonal prix fix menu. At $56, I think this is one of the best deals around. And, as before, they always have a completely vegetarian option for the entire tasting menu, which is great.
I opted to start with Pan Roasted Diver Scallops in braised celery, salsify and apple froth. I'm not usually a big froth fan, but it worked in this dish. The flavors and textures were spectacular together. My second course was Prawns a la Plancha--grilled prawns served with creamy crab rice, roasted peanuts, preserved lemon and mint. Wow--even Doug, my non-shellfish eating husband enjoyed this. For my third course, I chose the Horseradish Dusted Short Ribs and Hanger Steak. Both the short ribs and hanger steak were served, pulled-pork style, over a smoked potato puree. Surprisingly "light" for a meat and potatoes dish--delicious and a perfectly sized portion. Finally, I ended with the Lime Cream "Pie." This is not your mom's key lime pie--served with a gingersnap crust, oatmeal crumble, citrus chamomile ice cream, each bite awakens your taste buds and has you trying to figure out what flavors you are experiencing.
If you loved Hatfield's before, I think you'll love it just the same. If you've never been, go check it out. It does a great job of being a casual foodie place, if that makes any sense. Not as serious as Sona or Melisse--but with all the same seasonality and integrity. The kind of place you'd find in San Francisco--and, in my mind, that's the best compliment you can give an LA restaurant.
Filed under //
american
comfort food
date night
good stuff
hatfield's
melrose
restaurants
west hollywood
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