Food & Lib: The Hudson

On the corner of Crescent Heights & Santa Monica Blvd sits one of my favorite places for after-work drinks and appetizers. The Hudson, open beginning at 4 PM every weekday (10 AM on Sat/Sun for brunch), has a small but perfectly satisfying menu that certainly has something for everyone.

The building is beautiful, with large windows that open up to let in the setting sun. Diners are bathed in light, and the trolley car-style eatery was built around two massive trees -- which just happen to be coming right in through the floor of the dining room!

I haven't ever been here after 8 PM -- though it's in a great location with plenty of "free after 6 PM" parking, so late night drinks and snacks should certainly be just as stellar as Happy Hour. Even strolling over after drinks at Laurel Hardware would make for a fun evening.

The first time I came to The Hudson, I ordered the Mussel Frites (pictured below; $13) off of their Shared appetizer menu, and have made it a point to order it each visit ever since. I had never had mussels before! Can you believe it? Something about them scared me, but maybe it was the pile of garlic fry deliciousness on top that made them a bit less frightening. 

Can I just tell you, go and order this dish. This is the perfect size app for two people, and the mussels are always plump and tender -- with plenty of flavor. The broth is light and salty, and oh so scrumptious. We even bought an extra order of fries to dip in the sauce just so we wouldn't waste any of it!

Whenever we come with friends, there is only one thing that everyone orders:  the mac & cheese.  More specifically, the Jalapeño Mac & Cheese (pictured below; $9). More often than not, fancy gourmet mac & cheese always ends up making me feel 'blah'. While yummy, the cheese is normally SO HEAVY and thick that it doesn't make it worth eating.

Not at The Hudson. The cheese is light and creamy, the bread crumbs are flaky (Parmesan!) and crunchy, and the jalapeño? ... just, forget about it. Perfect amount of kick, not over-powering. A great dish for someone "afraid of spicy" to take that first step into all that peppers have to offer.

The crock dish of macaroni isn't huge -- a significant appetizer (or small meal) for one person. But between two people, it goes pretty fast. For John and myself, getting both the mussels and the mac & cheese is a perfect pre-dinner combination.

Sometimes, we cave and decide to grab a full dinner. This time, we split a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich (pictured above, $13), which was essentially a Caprese chicken sandwich. It was delicious, and my first time ordering it. The entire thing is more than enough for two people to split it, though without the appetizers, it might be just the right amount of food for one.

I love coming here. At the 6 o'clock hour, it's rarely crowded, and John and I are often joined by other co-workers for drinks or apps -- which are some of my favorites in the area. It's wonderful for groups, and someplace I would recommend highly. Go check it out!

Place:  The Hudson
Neighborhood:  West Hollywood
Food:  Yes
Full Bar:  Yes

Food & Lib: The Local Peasant

Basil Pepper Martini // The Local Peasant

On a busy stretch of Ventura Blvd. in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood, there is - hidden away behind an unfortunately placed bus stop - a pub by the name of The Local Peasant.  Easy to miss due to its lack of visible signage, its large, wall-size open air windows give passersby a glimpse of the lively crowd inside.  I've frequented this fair establishment a handful of times over the past few years, and its become one of my favorite places to celebrate events with friends (birthdays, Bachelorette brunches, reunions with high school friends, etc.)  Or even a good place to mingle and meet new people - maybe even spot a celebrity or two having a low-key Sunday brunch away from the Hollywood crowds.

Last night, the event happened to be for the birthday of my dear friend, Heather.  What better time to take a look at the food and libations that have become staples for me during each of my visits?

Now, before I get into my favorite menu items, I must say first:  The Local Peasant is one of the only brunch locations in the San Fernando Valley that serves alcohol brunches.  In fact, they have an immensely popular Bloody Mary bar, and fantastic Red Sangria.  Highly recommend.

Now, for some evening fare.  My drink of choice is the Basil Pepper Martini ($10) (above-pictured).  Featured on their "Post-Prohibition Cocktail" list, this vodka-based martini is light and delicious, and the only drink I've ever had garnished with a crunchy yellow (or orange) bell pepper slice.  Basil is a common garnish, but no less effective in making this martini almost too easy to drink.  Pair with a few of their appetizers, and you'll be in for a very satisfying night.

    

Speaking of apps, or as the Local P's menu calls them, "Bar Snacks"... by far the most enjoyable snack option is the decadent Cheddar Cheese and Bacon-covered Pretzel ($7) (above-pictured, left).  Do yourself a favor:  Stop reading this blog, and drive over to Sherman Oaks right now.  I'll wait.  Order this pretzel, and be sure to ask for the side of White Chocolate Peanut Butter dipping sauce.  Believe me, you won't regret it.  You'll even probably get a "Oh yeah, eating it right!" from the waiter (as the wait staff will likely give this recommendation if you don't choose it yourself). 

The saltiness of the pretzel mixed with the salty-sweet creaminess of the sauce... it's just downright sinful.  And this is no shy portion!  The pretzel is easily the size of a normal person's face, and can absolutely be shared between two or more people.  Just be aware, you might fight a little over who gets the last bite.  Oh and that poor standard grain mustard that accompanies the order? ... yummy as you may have been on your own, you just can't compete.

After that pretzel, you will probably be satisfied enough to end your food exploration right there.  But if you're not, there is always a way to feed that salty bacon habit by trying the Bacon & Eggs ($7), the Local P's take on deviled eggs (above-pictured, right).  Topped with a tangy, almost spicy smoked bacon, these eggs are creamy and gone way too quickly.  The only downside is that, with four to a plate, you'd have to place a few more orders to really appease the whole table.  But they're worth it, and one of the better deviled egg options I've discovered in the Valley.

Their "Main Grub" is not to be missed, if you are also partaking in lunch or dinner.  The burgers are top-notch, but it's certainly worth foregoing beef for a taste of their Crispy Chicken Sandwich, newly added to the menu (not pictured).

The Local P has a second location in the Woodland Hills neighborhood, which I have yet to try.  I can't imagine the food & lib is any less to-die-for over there, though considering Sherman Oaks' proximity to other entertainment and bustling neighborhoods, this locale is probably your best bet for a good night out.  Smaller, more intimate tables in the front section, and a back room with a projector screening movies or events with long wooden tables to fit all your friends.

Place:  The Local Peasant

Neighborhood:  Sherman Oaks

Food:  Yes | menu

Full Bar:  Yes | menu