Hazel

Hazel Restaurant Review:

Hazel is a welcome addition to the small town of Occidental. Chef-owners Jim Wimborough and his wife Michele have created an inviting space filled with genuine warmth and fresh, seasonal Mediterranean-inspired fare. Simple décor, wood siding and a neutral color palette make the most of abundant natural light. The menu features diverse local bounty. Starters include crispy pan-fried Brussels sprouts and bacon drizzled with lemon; assorted artisan cheeses; fresh scallops cured in olive oil with Calabrian chili, radish, lime, spring onion and grapes; and heirloom tomatoes with Armenian cucumbers, feta, green olives and fig balsamic. Good wood-fired pizzas include a spicy pepperoni with jalapeño and fresh mozzarella. Generous mains include braised short ribs on polenta with a horseradish gremolata, or quinoa with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, kale, carrots, lemon tahini and Greek yogurt. Among desserts are a bittersweet pot de crème topped with whipped crème fraîche, and bread pudding with banana, chocolate and bourbon caramel. Wines and beers are Sonoma local.