Hatfield's Is the Real McCoy

I never made it to Hatfield's when it was at its tiny Beverly Boulevard location.

But, having been to Eva Restaurant at Hatfield's old location, I can confidently say that the move to Melrose Avenue was an excellent decision.

The new space is modern and airy and serves as a superb understated background for the elegant but comforting Michelin-starred food.


The expansive window to the kitchen provides a glorious unobstructed view of all the action that goes into your meal.

BPLJ treated Kerfuffle and me to a night of deliciousness. Thank you, BPLJ! So happy to see both of my good friends from my first firm, especially Kerfuffle, who lives up north now! Thrilled she's back in California!

Amuse bouche -- yellowfin tuna, squash, lime, curry.

As OutKast would say, so fresh and so clean.

BPLJ's beer. Kerfuffle's mojito.

Warm bread and butter.

BPLJ and I tried the four-course seasonal prix fixe ($59), and Kerfuffle rounded out our meal with some stand-alone dishes. As my best friends always do, we shared everything, literally clearing a third of each plate and passing it along. Really, this is the only way to eat!

Pan-roasted diver scallops, braised celery, salsify, apple broth.

Simple but refined with a gentle sweetness and a beautiful searing.

Charred Japanese mackerel, oven-dried pineapple, avocado, fried shallots, nori-infused salsa verde.

Fantastically crunchy, salty, and tangy.

Agnolotti stuffed with ricotta, mustard greens, parsnip, cinnamon banyuls ($11).

Perfect pasta. Fresh, springy, creamy, dreamy.

Pan-seared dorade, carrot puree, Chinese broccoli, mushroom ragout.

Crispy skin + robust vegetables = awesome fish dish.

Prawns a la plancha espelette, creamy crab rice, roasted peanuts, preserved lemon, mint.

Crazy for crustaceans! Loved the contrast of the smokiness and the creaminess.

Horseradish-dusted short ribs and hanger steak, spring onion confit, smoked potato puree.


Exquisite. Red meat lovers, this one's for you.

Kurobuta pork loin, creamy Swiss chard, ruby grapefruit salad, celery root mustard ($26).

Somewhat plain but nice and moist.

Long Island duck breast, whisky prune smear, butternut squash, quinoa porridge.

My favorite! No surprise, of course. It is duck after all. Sugary enough without being too sweet. Tender. Juicy. Mmm.

Sugar and spice beignets, Venezuelan chocolate fondue, preserved ginger milkshake shot.

Warm and pillowy with delightful accompaniments -- the ginger was strong!

Cinnamon swirl brioche pudding, pear confit, maple syrup ice cream, cinnamon toast chip.

As a big fan of cinnamon, total thumbs up.

Chocolate Nutella ganache cake, butterscotch rosemary ice cream, hazelnut toffee.

My one bite was freaking incredible. You must get this if you come. Unbelievably rich and marvelous.

Mignardise.

Tiny chocolate cakes! Criminally cute crumbs of cocoa cheer.

Unpretentious quality food. Go to Hatfield's for it.

Bonus: Can you spot the celeb who sat next to us in this post? Hint: He's on SNL. He was so nice.