West Hollywood: New Cocktails and Menu at The Hudson

Recently I was invited to check out the new cocktails and food at The Hudson in West Hollywood. The only time I’ve been before was for a block party. I haven’t been inside before but they just remodeled. I love the train car looking building (it’s much bigger than a train car) and the trees growing inside. There are special holes cut through the roof to let the trees poke out.

I started off the night a bit differently. Usually I go for the old man drinks first and end with the light stuff but I couldn’t resist when I spotted Starry Night with Kappa pisco. It was a lovely way to begin the evening as I sampled a bit of kale salad (not shown). If you want to open your appetite, this is a great drink. The drinks list was created by Barlady Mia Sarazen who also put together sister restaurant, The Churchill’s list.

Starry Night – Kappa pisco, cassis, orgeat, lemon

Chef Conrad Woodul helms the kitchens of the Hudson. The menu is a mix of fresh California fare and gastropub comfort food. Start with the beet salad or seared albacore.

 

Sam Ross created a cocktaile called Paper Plane (bourbon, Nonino, Aperol, lemon) in New York at a bar called Little Branch. I’ve had it and variations in the last few years. I liked Mia’s take on it using tequila. She calls her drink the Paper Trail which is such a great name.

Paper Trail – Correlejo reposado tequila, Aperol, agave, lemon

Moving on to heartier fare, you could go for the classic grilled cheese with tomato soup or tacos. I decided to try both the fish and beef. I was given a choice of fried or grilled fish. I should have went grilled to be healthy but there’s something about fried fish tacos I love.

The tacos are on the happy hour menu so they’re great small plates while imbibing.

I didn’t order an old fashioned but one magically appeared so I had to taste it at least. The Hudson makes their Old Fashioned with Fighting Cock bourbon, fine sugar and Jerry Thomas decanter bitters. I liked it and the presentation of two twists.

If you’re in the mood for dinner, the scallops or pork belly would be a fine choice. It’s a little thing but great presentation is key in a neighborhood like West Hollywood. There’s something to be said for pretty food that also taste great.

Ah, we’ve arrived in the part of the night that I decided it’s brown, bitter, stirred time. The Old Fashioned earlier helped steer me in this direction. It’s time for the Midwest Monk (Templeton rye, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, Benedictine, Miracle Mile candy cap bitters). This Manhattan style drink was perfect.

Did I manage to get out of there without dessert? No way! I had to try the chocolate cake.

Aaaand Foodie Alert!

Cardiff Giant which owns the Hudson and Churchill will open a second location of Clover juice bar on Monday. It’s attached to the eastside of the Churchill and will be a take-away only location. However, Chef Bruce Kalman is planning on a juice pairing dinner at Churchill March 19-22. If I was in town for it, I’d totally try that out (and perhaps a shot or two of whiskey on the side).

The Hudson

1114 N Crescent Heights Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046  —  (323) 654-6686

 

© The Minty  2013