Hatfield's

For my birthday this past weekend my wonderful boyfriend treated me to my first dinner at Hatfield’s current location -- having enjoyed a decadently incredible meal at the restaurant’s former home on Beverly when I graduated from college years back, I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to visit their newer, larger Melrose location, which opened in 2010. Well-deserving of their Michelin star, Hatfield’s is, in my eyes, the perfect restaurant at which to mark any celebratory occasion. Whether opting for Chef Quinn Hatfield’s Seasonal Prix Fixe menu (which I had elected to do post-college) or for à la carte appetizers and entrées (which we chose this time around), both the food and service at Hatfield’s is impeccable, to put it simply.  My “Croque Madame” with yellowtail sashimi, prosciutto, and a sunny side up quail egg on grilled brioche was an impressively elevated rendition of this beloved French staple, and my Braised Pork Belly was the perfect display of melt-in-your-mouth-tender meat paired with richly developed porcine flavor. My only regret of the night was that we were fed too well to leave room to enjoy any of Pastry Chef Karen Hatfield’s desserts, which I know from experience was our loss, to be sure!  But from start to finish, we enjoyed savoring glasses of wine while indulging in delectable courses and observing the exposed kitchen through its large glass window as the chefs crafted a beautiful birthday meal to be remembered -- and still mentally savored -- for years to come.

Dress: Diane von Furstenberg Black Wrap Dress
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Leopard Suede Mary Jane Heels
Glasses: Bonlook Keiko frames in Tessa Tort
Lips: Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Velvet
Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Auburn
Purse: Kate Spade (old)

"Croque Madame" with Yellowtail sashimi, prosciutto, sunny side up quail egg, and grilled brioche.

Niman Ranch Braised Pork Belly with creamy beluga lentils, sautéed bok choy, and radish salad.