David Barzelay

Chef Barzelay is a 2016 Food & Wine Best New Chef whose name was anagrammed into the name of his restaurant. His emphasis on the playful and surprising keeps guests coming in, and has earned his establishment two Michelin stars.

Lazy Bear has a multi-course tasting menu (15+ items), two served each night in two seatings – the first at 6:00pm and the second at 8:30pm – Tuesday through Saturday. With its communal seating, the guests are served at the same time, the cooks coming to the table to describe the dishes. In a unique marketing concept, instead of reservations, tickets are sold the way they would be for a concert, and are non-refundable or exchangeable. For an idea of the type of fare that might be included on a night chosen, one need only click on the Sample Menu tab on their website. “Snack” items like Whipped Scrambled Eggs with bacon, maple, and hot sauce; the Spelt and Rye Dinner Rolls; Radish with Avocado, Cucumber, and Buttermilk; Morels with Egg Yolk Fudge, Favas, and Ramps; Grilled Lamb with Carrots, Spring Herbs, and Flowers; and Blueberry with Dark Chocolate, Meyer Lemon, Sake Kasu, and Walnut are a good example of the rich flavors and playful combinations offered here. The desserts are called “Treats,” and with something like their Cake Pop with Chocolate, Salted Caramel, and Miso, the term is more than appropriate. It’s New American dining at its best.