Ten years ago, Michele and Jim Wimborough opened Hazel, a modest, wood-fired restaurant tucked into the redwoods of Occidental in western Sonoma County. On a recent afternoon, Michele was doing what she’s been doing nearly every day since: baking. “Hold on,” she said over the phone. “I’m pulling my peach cobbler out of the oven.” I could practically smell the butter, fresh peaches and caramelized sugar bubbling in the pan.
Michele is the “sweet” half of Hazel’s husband-and-wife team. She bakes all the desserts on the menu and keeps the host stand stocked with $3 takeaway treats, like fresh-baked cookies, Rice Krispies treats and itty bitty cakes. She calls these sugary siren songs her “Costco hot dogs” — budget-friendly and irresistible, they draw people in.
“I’ve never changed the price in 10 years,” she said. “Oh! And today’s exactly 10 years since we opened.”…