It's opening day for Hazel, the newest restaurant from Neighborhood Restaurant Group (Iron Gate, Bluejacket).
Chef Rob Rubba, formerly of Tallula, oversees the 38-seat restaurant, designed by Catherine Hailey Design, which also has a 16-seat bar and a 38-seat patio. The restaurant is mostly shared plates, with dishes like crispy chickpea tofu and a hamachi crudo with crispy rice. But there are also two "Lazy Susan" tasting menus — one is inspired by Peking-style duck, and the other is centered around the chef's favorite dishes. Pastry chef Naomi Gallego wil serve dishes like a black sesame panna cotta. As usual, beverages from directors Brent Kroll and Greg Engert are a focus, with both beer and wine offerings having a global slant. Peter Koll designed the cocktail menu into the categories "delicate" and "complex."
Hazel, 808 V St. NW, website
