Hazel’s
1 Peabody St.
Birmingham
February 21, 2026
A fist fight never tasted so good.
On February 9, Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart jumped off the bench and into a scrum that was already happening on the court as the members of the Pistons began brawling with the Charlotte Hornets players. Stewart took on Charlotte Hornets small forward Miles Bridges, who deserves to be punched in the face for assaulting a woman in front of her children in 2022.
It resulted in one of my favorite sports photos of all time.
And a seven-game suspension for Stewart.
Now a local restaurant is stepping up to feed us until Stewart is allowed back on the court.
Hazel’s is a much buzzed about destination in boujee Birmingham, known for their excellent seafood in an upscale yet relaxed setting. It’s the type of restaurant where you hear “May I see your oyster list?” and see expensive looking men walk in with even more expensive puffy vests. During happy hour, when I visited, it felt communal around the bar, like a local neighborhood spot in a more dressed-up decor.
In honor of Stewart, Hazel’s came up with a special – Beef Stew, affectionately named after Stewart’s nickname for being a beloved enforcer on the Pistons.
The Jamaican short rib stew features carrots and sweet potato, slathered up with spices and cooked for hours, served alongside a delicate coconut rice and a buttery piece of warm Roti.
It’s one of the most comforting dishes I’ve had in a restaurant, taken to another level with avocado crema drizzled over everything. A piece of home cooking with Jamaican flare and taken to another level when all wrapped up together in that decadent Roti.
I made the drive north from Detroit to check it out, being a man who loves to eat and the Pistons at the same. I was told these dishes have been popular, with Stewart himself popping into the restaurant to check it out.
It’s on special at Hazel’s until Stewart is allowed back on the court, so you’ve got till March 3rd.
