Hatfield's in Los Angeles, California: Review

The Hatfield's is located at 6703 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036. For reservations, you can always call this number, (323) 935-2977.

During the hot seasons I always come back to Los Angeles when I take a break from San Diego. This season is already reaching to its end and the best way to close it is by dining in a cozy restaurant. My chosen restaurant for that particular time was the Hatfield's. It is a tight spaced restaurant and it is sensible to compare it with the size of your closet. Nevertheless, it fits 35-40 people, which is incredible to think about. It must be crammed, though.

The counter was just beside the front door and the table was at one side of the bar. The bar was right next to the entrance and our table was right next to the bar. A window separates the bar from the table and that's all. But the coziness and warmness you get from the soft lightings of the restaurant are priceless. Having heard many good recommendations about this restaurant, I was excited and willing to give it a try.

Five of us went there and we chose to order the al a carte. We were served creamy corn and spicy deviled eggs as starters. The deviled eggs were finely spiced and I liked the taste especially when I had finished it and I started eating the sweetly creamed corn. The feeling was like a tickle on your throat. The two flavors combine perfectly and I was waiting anxiously for other dishes to arrive. I ordered the Corn Agnolloti with Dungeness, together with Shaved Summer Truffle for the appetizers.

When the dishes arrived, I discovered that the truffles and corn were not as good as at Spago, since the sauce was too thick and the taste of sherry beurre fondue made into cream was too sharp. In general, I thought it was okay but the number of agnolloti in the plate was too little and left me feeling disappointed in spending $20 for the meal.

Then came the first entree. It was the picked menu for the day, the Roasted Pork Tenderloin. The dressing used was cranberry, which was not my favorite. However the pork was juicy and tender and it was served with smooth mashed potatoes. Later, we were served with Olive Oil Poached Halibut. I liked it because the fish tasted perfect with the immersed flavor of olive oil with it. Served with asparagus and Hon Shimeji mushrooms, the dish appeared simple but delicious.

After that we were served with lamb, hanger steak and short ribs. All were delicious and cooked to perfection. In general, this restaurant is worthwhile to dine in, since it takes great effort in covering what they are lacking in the dining area such as crampness and the lacking in stylish designs. With interesting flavors combined in an intelligent way, the Hatfield's is a restaurant of the future and people are sure to pay a revisit.