THE HUDSON IN WEST HOLLYWOOD COMFORT FOOD in A HIP ATMOSPHERE

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Michael Hepworth

THE HUDSON IN WEST HOLLYWOOD

AMERICAN COMFORT FOOD in A HIP ATMOSPHERE

By Michael Hepworth

West Hollywood(Perfect Meal Today)7/1/16/–The popular West Hollywood watering hole has been a mainstay in the area for almost eight years, and the 77 seater restaurant and bar specializes in American comfort food. The ambience is very conducive for hanging out with friends for a casual drink or meal, fairly inexpensive and a staff that seem very well trained and organized. The Hudson is a sister restaurant to the more upscale Churchill restaurant.

Signature dishes include Short Rib Benedict, Hudson Burger and The Drunken Sailor. Exposed Edison bulbs, distressed metal, and candlelight set the tone for an extended open air patio. Fifty-foot trees sprout in the main dining area and booths with dark wood and rich burgundy fabric makes this a place that has reminded some people of a pre-Prohibition Chicago banker bar. It is also known as a good date spot, which is important to know about West Hollywood considering the demographics.

All cocktails are priced at $11 and the aforementioned Drunken Sailor uses Sailor Jerry’s spiced rum strawberry, mint and lime. Also tried the Mezcal penny w/vida mescal, lemon, agave and Bundaberg ginger beer. There is a signature gin drink called “The Huddy” on the list which comes with lime, cucumber and basil, although it was a little too sweet for my taste. The wine list is very small, but I did spot a Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand at $11 a glass or $42 for the bottle and la marca prosecco at $9 a glass and $36 for the bottle.

Getting back to the food, Blas Clemente is the executive chef, although I did not meet him the night I was there. A lot of the plates are good for sharing, so why not start with the crispy chicken sliders ($12), An excellent start followed up with the asparagus and buratta Salad served with almonds and in a citrus basil vinaigrette ($12). this was an unusual combination since one normally expects heirloom tomatoes, but it worked quite well as did the Roasted Brussel Sprouts ($9), which are served with bacon, cauliflower, garlic and Dijon.

The Hudson Burger ($13) is a popular item here maybe because all the Beef here is organic and ground in house. There are just four main courses on offer, and I tried the Pan Roasted Salmon ($20) which is served with fingerling potatoes, corn, applewood bacon, asparagus and immersed in a smoked corn broth. It was nice and crispy on the outside however, and proved to be a good selection. It would be amiss of me not to mention the excellent bread pudding which was perfect. Again there is a limited choice of desserts on the menu. but if this was one was an example then the standard has to be high.

The Hudson-Open 4pm-2 am-1114 N.Crescent Heights Blvd, Hollywood.

Wine Wednesday-1/2 price bottles w/purchase of food

Beer Sunday from 6pm-1^st Sunday each month $1 beers

Saturday/Sunday Brunch 10am-4pm-drink specials including the

Hudson Bloody Mary for $6

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211