The Albany Business Review reports today that Brenton Young, the owner of The Meat Hook at 322 Warren Street, has purchased the diner on Warren Street which was most recently Grazin': "Hudson diner building sold to local business owner who plans new restaurant."
No information is provided about when the new restaurant will open or what it will be called. Young is quoted in the article as saying, "It's going to be an American restaurant, and that's the long and short of it. Hopefully we are able to make it exactly what the town wants and needs."
If comments on this blog are any indication, what Hudson needs now is a vegetarian or vegan restaurant, but given the future new restaurant's connection with a butcher shop, that's unlikely.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CAROLE OSTERINK
By comments on this blog, it was the same two that constantly talk about Hudson needing a vegan restaurant, almost as much as Peter Spear wants a Citizen Assembly.
ReplyDeleteTo all of them: “Be the change that you want to see in the world”
But in the mean time maybe they’ll inspire another tote bag.
Hi there, to you and especially for Carole's kind thoughts, thanks for the lead in. In my 7th decade, taking on a restaurant is not realistic. In my 20's, I did cook in a couple of vegan restaurants in NY. My experience informs me it can be done. Other small towns like New Hope, PA underscores that a well run vegan restaurant can go strong for 15+ years. I mean, suburban NJ residents!
DeleteWhat's ailing Hudson is a good question. Hudson is a pricey place for establishing a business. Non-vegan/vegetarian restaurants have come and gone. Some, within a year. A star chef might work who could cover the costs and bring excitement. By expressing my thoughts when the opportunity arises, I hope the change I would like to see, materializes in this town someday. That star chef may be tuning in. It's satisfying to some degree to bring the dialog forward. Perhaps the vegan and veggie meals offered once in a great while in Hudson weren't all that good?
In the meantime, I cook at home just about every day. I make dishes that look exciting to me. I adjust and tweak as I go along. Now, more than ever, there are thousands of food authors available at a click. Hear this, maybe due to annoying persistence in the comments, including my own, NYT Cooking introduced a veggie section a few years ago! It's progress! They feature hundreds of vegan and veggie recipes and encouragement on a regular basis. Just the other day, due to egg prices, there was a feature on cooking with egg alternatives.
So, Hudson, what gives?
Another tote bag? Union Jack, it's your turn, let's see what you come up with!
NYT sucks ... they have a pay wall for its food section even for those that have a normal subscription ...
DeleteNot to worry, just enter anything in Google and there'll be hundreds of hits. Using The Times as an example since so many around here are familiar with it and are fully subscribed. Just yesterday I searched for hoisin sauce. Did you know there are dozens of variations!?
DeleteFair enough. I just like to joke on the repeated commentary every time a new food establishment is announced. But I happen to agree that a vegan place would probably do well here if creative enough. As an omnivore I actually do enjoy vegan food and make it at home, even if not intentionally.
DeleteAs for the tote bag, I’ll have to get to work on that ;)
If Hudson wanted / needed a vegetarian or vegan restaurant, it would have a vegetarian or vegan restaurant. Between relocating / weekending city folks, the amount of restaurant turnover, and the market studies that (diligent) entrepreneurs conduct, if there was a viable customer base for a full V/VF business, they'd be here.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy with a regular old upstate diner. Gimme a plate of eggs and ham and shredded hash browns, and a large OJ for $9.95, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'd settle for an early 1990s East Village breakfast, two eggs, whole grain toast, salad with carrot dressing and all the coffee you can drink for $2.00.
DeleteYep, time to enjoy home cooking. Carrot dressing? Easy and cheap! It's the eggs that are in trouble.
DeleteFace it ... Hudson restaurants are not designed to cater to the folks that live here. It's all upscale faux ...
ReplyDeletePersonally I define a diner as a "traditional" diner. Good food that hits the spot, good coffee with free refills, and its affordable. I like the Village Historic Diner in Red Hook. Cash only.
ReplyDelete