Michael Hazen Named Executive Chef at Pearl at Longshore Westport Opening March

Michael Hazen has been named Executive Chef at the highly anticipated new restaurant, Pearl at Longshore in Westport, Connecticut. Hazen, an innovative chef with over 20 years experience, most recently launched the concept for the successful Bartaco restaurants and prior to that spent years building the Barcelona restaurant brand. Chef Hazen has designed a menu influenced by fresh seasonal and sustainable cuisine, while honoring the stunning Westport waterfront and the community’s focus on a healthy lifestyle.
 
“The menu at Pearl is centered around the food people love to eat, but also has that element of surprise, something a guest didn’t know they wanted but are glad they had it,” said Hazen. “I wanted to create a restaurant that was simple and delicious, yet adds excitement to Westport’s restaurant scene.” 

Pearl’s menu will be extensive and reflect its surroundings and the spirit of the lively Longshore Club Park. Guests can look forward to the finest selection of oysters in the area, a variety of small plates to share like Maryland Crab Toast, Crunchy Meatballs, Deviled Eggs and Lox with Wasabi Caviar and Crème Fraiche, and Roasted Cauliflower with Miso Almond Herb Sauce. Entrees include unique seafood dishes like the Compo Beach Seafood Pot with shrimp, mussels, clams, roasted tomato fennel in a lobster broth, three types of steak direct from Pat LaFrieda with multiple sauce options and Skinny Fries with white truffle aioli, fresh pastas, thin-crust pizzas, gluten free options and more. A signature dessert, the Melting Chocolate Pearl, is finished tableside with a warm Kahlua sauce that Hazen describes as “decadent and not to be missed!”
 
“We want Pearl to be where the community comes together to create memories; a unique restaurant for families and foodies alike. Taking inspiration from the welcoming feeling of entertaining at home, we want our guests to be comfortable and the experience easy. This customer-focused approach is what Hazen is known for, incorporating his artisanal philosophy with fresh, food-forward, and artistic plates that respect culinary traditions. With a newly designed expansive bar, completely renovated lobby and dining room, refurbished outdoor dining deck and the premier waterside patio for outdoor cocktails in the area, Pearl will stand alone among therestaurants in Westport. The bar program at Pearl will reflect the menu and feature craft beers, an extensive wine list, and creative, handcrafted cocktails with freshly squeezed juices.
 
Growing up in a Massachusetts farm town, Hazen’s first job was at a local restaurant where he held nearly every job from dishwasher to line cook. From there, he became Executive Chef at Goose Cove Lodge in Maine, a vegetarian restaurant where he received an “excellent” rating from The New York Times. Hazen’s career trajectory took him to major restaurant towns like Chicago and New York and he’s worked alongside leading restaurateurs including Stephen Starr before becoming an integral part of the growing the Barteca Restaurant Group.
 
His passion for food and restaurants lies in the details, carefully researching all the elements that make a restaurant successful and keep guests coming back. “My measure for success is when I see people are having happy celebrations and enjoying the moment from the beginning to the end. I know it’s clicked when a guest shakes my hand and tells me it’s the best meal they’ve ever had,” said Hazen. He’s excited to welcome friends and new guests from Fairfield County and beyond.
 
Pearl at Longshore will be open every day year-round for lunch and dinner and late evening for cocktails and a light fare.  Lunch will begin later in March.  A classic weekend brunch will also be served on Saturday and Sunday.

 

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About Pearl at Longshore
Pearl at Longshore is a Westport, Connecticut restaurant focused on seasonally inspired, sophisticated American cuisine. Nestled on the scenic coastline at Westport’s historic Longshore Club Park, Pearloffers one of the most stunning views in the area and is a meeting place for the community to eat, drink, relax and enjoy all year round. Actively involved in the community, Pearl and its staff are dedicated to providing the best customer service and experience for their guests. Pearl is located at Longshore Club Park, 260 Compo Road South, Westport, CT 06880 and at www.pearlatlongshore.com.