They’re on a roll!

Hazel, Ravines and Downtown, popularly known as HRD, first created a casual, fresh-seafood focused menu takeover called “Hazel’s Lobster Pound” in the summer of 2019, and it’s back! From the start, owners Beth Hussey and Emmele Herrold wanted to make a splash with something they were so passionate about – bringing an authentic taste of some of their favorite travels closer to home. At the time, finding a proper lobster roll in the area wasn’t very common. Herrold and Hussey knew they could serve lobster, in many forms, to guests in a way that echoed their favorite spots on the east coast. They already flew in fresh oysters from the east and west coasts, so the process of bringing in fresh lobster would be similar. “We didn’t invent the lobster roll,” said Hussey. “But at the time, you never saw two kinds of lobster rolls – Connecticut style, hot with butter, or Maine style, cold with mayonnaise – on the menu here.” And while lobster is still the star, the takeover menu is filled with favorites like Hazel’s fried chicken, a token burger and seasonal desserts like blueberry or cherry pie. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere inside or outside – complete with paper-covered baskets and whimsical menus – or order it up for carry-out or local delivery. HRD’s Lobster Pound runs through September at 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham. www.hrd.kitchen