By Scott E. Kinney, Atlantic News Staff Writer

Atlantic News, Friday, June 9, 2006

[The following article is courtesy of Atlantic News.]

READY TO SERVE — Chef Kurt, Waitress Tina and Bartender Liam are among the many friendly staff members ready to greet you at Hagan’s Grill.
[Atlantic News Photo by Michelle Connelly]

HAMPTON — For those looking for a fine dining experience in downtown Hampton one need look no further than Hagan’s Grill.

And according to new owner Dora Hand, “fine dining” doesn’t have to be stuffy and can include younger patrons.

“A lot of times you describe ‘fine dining’ and people think you need a blazer with a tie; and no children,” said Hand.

Instead what is offered at Hagan’s Grill is American cuisine with just a touch of Asian in a family friendly environment. The cozy, 35-seat restaurant is also perfect for an evening for two or a cocktail after work.

The menu is varied and includes Lobster Ravioli, New York Sirloin and Chicken Marsala, all reasonably priced. A list of nightly specials compliments the menu with a series of inspirations from Head Chef Kurt Holzweiss. A variety of desserts are enough to tantalize any sweet tooth.

One new addition to the restaurant is Martini Night. Each Wednesday, a host of specialty martinis are offered at a reduced price.

“We’re really excited about it,” said Hand. ” There’s a nice selection of martinis that the bartenders have come up with. It’s geared more toward the ladies. It’s just to make the night out a little more exciting.”

One holdover from the previous owners will be live music on Thursday evening. Hand said a wide variety of bands play at Hagan’s Grill, all suitable for the small space.

Hand comes to Hagan’s Grill after a brief hiatus from the hospitality industry. After years of working with Sheraton Hotels in the New York area, she decided to start her own business. Hand bought the restaurant just five weeks ago.

“I fell in love with the place, the ambience and everything,” Hand said. “The people in Hampton are wonderful.”

Hand credits her early success to the staff at Hagan’s Grill, from Holzweiss to bartenders Liam and Dean, every one who works at the restaurant is an integral piece of the puzzle.

“We’re very blessed with our staff,” she said. “This place runs with a team of people that make it work. Everyone here deserves credit because everyone here is working towards the same goal.”

Hand said she is hopeful that the restaurant will become a place where locals can come and congregate.

“I tell everyone that I want this to be like ‘Cheers,’ where everybody knows your name,” said Hand.

Hagan’s Grill is located at 6 High Street and is open 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 4-8p.m. on Sunday. The bar is open nightly from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Ample parking can be found in the municipal parking lot across the street. The restaurant can be contacted at (603) 926-5668.