Mabel Gray

"Chef James Rigato of Top Chef fame helms this Hazel Park restaurant, which quickly gained traction after its 2015 opening for its handwritten, frequently changing menu. (Seasonal menu changes are standard, but it often changes from day-to-day, too.) Rigato takes his cooking seriously but the space itself never feels pretentious — expect mismatched vintage plates and seating inside a compact dining area with muted mood lighting. One new addition to the space, a wine cave described as reminiscent of what one might find in Europe, allows the restaurant’s sommelier Paulina Schemanski room to host special events and offers visitors a little extra legroom to enjoy their experience. To eat, one visit might feature griddled king trumpet mushrooms, while a return trip could include Colorado lamb ribs made with garlic and fish sauce caramel, sake pickles, sesame, and iceberg lettuce. Reservations are recommended, though a lone diner can occasionally score a seat at the bar if they call ahead and inquire about last-minute cancellations." - Serena Maria Daniels

"Mabel Gray has been turning heads since arriving on the scene as an unexpected Hazel Park destination in 2015 under the guidance of former Top Chef contestant James Rigato. The menu at Mabel is never stagnant and always keeps diners guessing. For an exceedingly affordable treat, reserve a seat or a table for the tasting menu, available with optional beverage pairings. The small dining room ensures diners feel well-cared for and part of the action in the kitchen." - Serena Maria Daniels

"Mabel Gray is known for its tasting menu and unique dishes like the chicken-fried duck confit sandwich. The duck legs are cured, confited, and fried, then served with Michigan hot honey, sweet pickles, shredded lettuce, and duck fat garlic mayo on a sesame seed bun, paired with Champagne." - Serena Maria Daniels

"Although this Hazel Park restaurant's menu is in a constant state of change, you can always expect quality sweets to finish out your meal. Past eclectic selections have included a towering spumoni ice cream cake, a light lemon creme brulee, and a classically delicious tres leches cake. The sweets are headed by the talented pastry chef Ali Sesnovich, who we’re told is badass." - Serena Maria Daniels

"Known for its daily changing new American menu and an expanded dining room for special events." - Serena Maria Daniels