Hatfield's

I went to this restaurant the other day and had a wonderful experience. It's a small restaurant on Beverly Blvd. near the Grove. Decor is minimal. Noise level was pleasant, not deathly quiet but we didn't have to scream to converse. The menu is short but creative. They presented a little 'amuse bouche' when we sat down, which was a little tiny spoon with a little tiny quail egg with smoked trout pureed with the yolk, delish (smoking is good for food!), and a shot glass of cauliflower soup. I had the 'Croque Madam' appetizer which is a little sandwich of grilled buttered bread with prosciuto and tuna in the middle and a little tiny quail egg on top, melts in the mouth! And frankly, buttered grilled bread makes everything better. My main course was duck breast with a quinoa and mushroom, with butternut squash and a whiskey sauce smeared on the plate, quite prettily. The breast was cooked to perfection. Dessert was a lime cream pie and beignets with chocolate sauce, both presented very attractively. The service was attentive but not cloying. Glasses were always filled (but not overly so) and I noted that a group of three were seated at a table set with 3 chairs not four. With the check came a little mini banana cupcake with chocolate frosting for each of us. Nice touch. I rolled out of there feeling very satisfied but not overly stuffed. Definitely worth it for an occasion that calls for a nice meal.