An LA’s The Place Top Pick for 2010!
When you think of great vodka, you might  imagine some of the high-profile, imported brands. This past week, we had the opportunity to discover USDA Certified Organic Moon Mountain Vodka , the only vodka made in the U.S., at a dinner and vodka pairing at Hatfield’s Restaurant in Hollywood.

It was a great choice of venue for a outstanding vodka, as Hatfield’s was named one of America’s 10 best new restaurants by Bon Appetit. It’s at a new location, great open atmosphere, the restaurant is simplistic, elegant, yet a natural relaxed environment. The showpiece of the dining room is the open kitchen encased in full glass.

The evening began as media gathered and toasted with a Hatfield’s Cosmopolitan, made with Moon Mountain Vodka.

Dinner began with the first pairing, which consisted of perfectly seared Cranberry Bay Diver Scallops with apple froth, and paired nicely with a Moon Mountain Vodka “Chimayo”. It was a creative take on the apple martini but with a very natural and earthy taste using apple cider. This will be available at Hatfield’s after Thanksgiving.

The second pairing was a delightful and flavorful Butternut Squash Flan, served with celery root/coconut soup, and crusted crispy sweetbreads. Incredible. The cocktail creation that accompanied tasty dish was a very unique and delightful concoction named Moon Mountain Vodka Butternut “Squash”. This nicely blended tangerine, butternut squash, Moon Mountain vodka and nutmeg. You can try it for yourself currently at Hatfield’s.

Our third pairing was Berkshire Pork Loin with Spaetzle – sweet and sour cabbage, parsnip bacon, which went quite well with a special Moon Mountain Vodka “Bloody Mary” which was created just for this night. This very cool twist on a Blood Mary used fresh tomatoes, and frozen tomatoe ice cubes.

The fourth pairing was a delicious Pan Roasted New York Steak with potato puree, soy aromatic sauce and fried onion with gingered long beans. This was served with a Moon Mountain Vodka “Moscow Mule”. If you love ginger, you will love this drink, which was flavored with lime. It was my favorite. It is also available at Hatfield’s.

The last pairing, the dessert, was the perfect Chocolate Dacquoise with an almost carmelized warm brown butter and banana. It paired delightfully so with a desert Moon Mountain Vodka “Mexican Hot Chocolate” – incredibly rich and delicious! It was a perfect ending to a fabulous culinary experience with Moon Mountain Vodka. You have to try this for yourself – it is available now at Hatfield’s.

All About The Vodka

Moon Mountain Organic Vodka is actually the only vodka made in the U.S. Master Distiller Gerry Webb explains that “Moon Mountain Vodka is crafted, not ‘made’, from fine organic grain and purified water. Moon Mountain Vodka is an “artisanal” vodka; artisanal meaning practicing the craft as an art form.

Says Webb, “Think of Moon Mountain Vodka like a limited-edition print – each bottle is not one-of-a-kind, yet it is certainly not mass produced”. 

Hatfield’s is one of only a few select restaurants you can find Moon Mountain Vodka. Treat yourself to an excellent gourmet experience at Hatfield’s – their excellent menu items paired with some of the delightful cocktails made specifically for Moon Mountain Vodka.

For more information on Moon Mountain Vodka, visit www.moonmountainvodka.com.

Hatfield’s Restaurant

6703 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038

323.935.2977

www.hatfieldsrestaurant.com.