Mabel Gray in Hazel Park serves up a dynamic New American menu that changes daily, showcasing local ingredients in a cozy, welcoming space with a touch of rustic charm.
"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
"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, allowing the restaurant’s sommelier Paulina Schemanski room to host special events and offering 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
"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
"Just about nine years in the game, and James Rigato’s artful, but unpretentious Mabel Gray offers a tasting menu option that helps to shine a light on the team’s culinary prowess. The new American menu changes daily and reflects the seasonality of Michigan. One visit might entail 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. The tasting menu goes for $89 per person, plus, $45 to include a beverage pairing. Reservations are recommended." - Serena Maria Daniels
