Hazel

Expectedly a restaurant garnering mixed reviews from diners as well as critics, a menu that more-or-less screams “fusion” or “gastropub” always a risk in a time when many have chosen to champion the idea of local-seasonal cuisine, it was as a warm-up to dinner at The Dabney on Halloween that a seat was taken at Hazel just minutes after opening, the space completely empty save for a sizable waitstaff with the unenviable position of being bombarded with exceedingly loud rap and hip-hop from overhead speakers throughout the evening.

Toqued by Rob Rubba with an address in rapidly developing Shaw, an area that locals suggest was fairly rough just five years ago, those approaching Hazel from V Street will recognize the Restaurant from its wooden panel featuring cursive script, a sign pointing towards the door leading would-be diners through a covered patio decorated in Christmas Bulbs over comfortable furniture, the inside a much moodier space with a bar on one side of a divider and the dining room decorated in pop-culture collage.

Focused on ‘global’ flavors with a clear Asian influence, the decor provided by D.C. based artists an additional source of pride pointed out by servers who prove to be both pleasant and professional in an environment where they could just as easily get away with the nonchalance of David Chang’s spots, it was after perusing the Autumn menu for several minutes that the decision was made to order just three plates and then make further decisions, the portion sizes larger than anticipated and thus making the server’s recommendation of 2-3 dishes per person more than adequate for most diners.

Owned by Neighborhood Restaurant Group and named after Chef Rubba’s late grandmother, his inspiration to start cooking seeing one of her personal recipes incorporated into the menu as three moist slices of Zucchini Bread alongside a jar of Foie Gras whipped with Cream and topped with fragrant Gelee plus crunchy grains of Bee Pollen it should be plainly obvious to any who enjoy terrines or pates that the dish offered on both the main and dessert menus is every bit as good as it sounds and then some with plenty of both Bread and Spread for sharing.

Coursing out plates one at a time by choice, the Restaurant slowly filling to about 1/2 indoor capacity by 6:30pm though the combination of chilly weather and Halloween festivities had servers suggesting things were ‘slower than usual,’ suffice it to say that anyone in need of a warm-up would be well advised to take a look at Robba’s transcontinental “Gnocchi Bokki” pairing tender Potato Dumplings and Smoked Cheese with a Sauce of Pork and Kimchi plus toasted Sesame Seeds used as much for flavor as they are for texture.

Rounding out the savories with a Jenga-style stack of “Sticky Crunchy Ribs,” the sweetness and Cilantro unfortunately a bit overwhelming though tender Meat and Roasted Peanuts still manage to peak through from time to time it was from just two actual Desserts – in addition to the Zucchini Bread – that the choice was made to try a $12 slice of Orange Chiffon Pie, the Cream light but not overwhelmingly Citrus and nicely paired to sweetened and reduced Cranberries plus Ginger Custard.

Spring is in full bloom in DC, and I really hope it is here to stay.  My friends and I have been trying to schedule more ‘Work Out’ Dates and less ‘Happy Hour’ dates, but sometimes the two get combined.    There is so much to love about a glass of wine after yoga. It’s called balance…right?

My second visit to Hazel in DC’s Shaw neighborhood confirms my initial enthusiasm. The restaurant’s “medium size plates with global influences” are a potpourri of vegetables, bread and batters, fish and shellfish, meat and poultry, and two Lazy Susan large plates. Each section has three to four options, and while I can boast that I’ve now conquered much of the current menu, I still leave with regrets over the dishes I’ve yet to try. Every dish on the menu appeals to me with innovative blends of cuisines, textures, and styles.

Overall the food was really good and the service was great as well. Our favorite dip was the carrot haydari. Also really enjoyed the lamb sausage, the pork tacos, and the short rib. The asparagus salad was a little too lemony for us but still really interesting to try. Everything was also beautifully presented.

3.5 stars. The first couple of years when Hazel opened, I was a regular. So regular that the chef, manager, and staff knew who I was. The food was unique, intelligently concocted, and quite delicious. Their wine list was also outstanding! They had such unique offerings from Macedonia, Bulgaria, Austria, and other unusual but fascinating reds and rosés. Then I took a long break. I recently returned and was pleased to know the food was just as amazing as I remember. The only thing lacking is the vibe. Hazel seems to have lost its charm. I was surprised to see they were not at all busy on prime dinner time-slot, on a Thursday. And the bar area was empty. There was a time when it was difficult to get a rezzie and the bar was packed; nowadays you can simply walk-in. My friend and I enjoyed ourselves nonetheless. With the exception of the crudo, which didn’t taste as fresh to me, the rest of our meal was delicious. I hope the evening we went was an anomaly. I really want to love this place again.

My wife and I happened upon Hazel this past SUNDAY (9/24) for brunch. The overall experience was fantastic and the menu adventurous. Our server, Nathaniel, was definitely on point. We started with the Kimchi Scramble then onto the Crispy Tots, the Breakfast Donburi and the English Muffin Fried Chicken. Every single item was magically delicious .... better than Lucky Charms!

I chose to take my girlfriend to Hazel for her birthday dinner based on some local buzz and admittedly, being personally keen on their beer list ! We were both blown away by the creativity on display in the dishes, both in execution and plating. There's clear asian influences in dishes like the gnocci, and the flavors are front and center on the crazy rice, which I cannot recommend enough. The fois gras was pleasant and grandma's zucchini bread paired very well. The kitchen also sent us the lime and mint fried chicken with raddish , which was perfectly cooked. Their beer list was as always with NRG, expertly curated. I was surprised to see nightshift beers from Boston on there, which are all great. The sour my girlfriend order was also great. If I had one complaint​, it's that the chairs on the turf grass is super weird ! Not distracting enough to affect the meal though. Will certainly be going back !

Had such an amazing brunch here!! The servers were so kind and the food was SO GOOD. Today they had glazed donuts with candied orange zest that were absolutely DIVINE.