Where You Should Be Eating Now :: Hudson Clearwater

A little undercover, the type of vibe that makes you want to stay all night, warm and rustic design, killer music...and a whole lot of incredible food.  Located in the West Village, Hudson Clearwater is the restaurant scene's newest, best kept secret.  I've waited far too long to post something about this place, but figured we could all use a bit of food-driven excitement on such a dreary day.

HCW is keen on keeping a low-profile, making your experience that much more personal.  No distinct storefront awning and a clandestine garden entrance help make the space the cool, hidden gem that it is.  Step inside and you'll immediately be welcomed by an open kitchen where you'll watch first-hand the energy, excitement and authenticity that goes into executive chef Wes Long's menu.  He's the type of guy who'll take time to greet you and chat about anything and everything for a few minutes (or longer), as will any of HCW's four owners, Mark and John Barboni, Christopher Brandon and Matthew Hechter.

Long's genuine appreciation of food and his attention to good health, flavor and sustainably-sourced ingredients is clear.  Not too shocking, it's one of the reasons I keep on coming back.  HCW's vision of fusing health and seasonality into knockout restaurant fare runs deep and it shows.  Given my frequent visits, I've been lucky enough to experience just about all of the menu (and a few chef tasting meals as well).  A few dishes to daydream about this afternoon...arugula with spiced pecans, St. Andre & apple ribbons; the aged white cheddar shortcake, roasted root vegetables and horseradish creme fraiche; crispy duck breast with grilled onion and swiss chard ragout; the cured pork belly (yes, I'm suggesting you order pork belly) with grilled beets, creamy polenta and cherry-dickel caramel.  Be sure to get a side of Brussels sprouts and the potato-cauliflower gratin with radish salad, they're pretty amazing.  I won't call out a specific dessert because that'd be discriminatory and they're all stellar, but twist my arm and I'd shoot for the lemon bar with fig compote or the chocolate-cherry ganache with fresh fruit...so light and balanced, you'll comfortably leave the table without feeling like someone needs to roll you out the door.  And an fyi, or word of warning, definitely glance over the cocktail list.  

Good guys doing up genuine food.  You can't really go wrong with that.  Looking forward to Long's spring menu, due out very soon.
And ps., you'll definitely want to keep this little secret to yourself (and a few very lucky friends).  

images via: UrbanDaddy & Nourish

Inspired by...

...Pasta and porchetta princess, Sara Jenkins' green bean salad at her new East Village restaurant Porsena (if you haven't been yet, it's cozy and wonderful - like you're eating at home with your Italian grandmother).  Jenkins may have gained acclaim for her heftier dishes and love of all things pork, but the green bean salad is a total star on the menu.  Fresh, simple, gorgeously green and crunchy--a perfect healthy pick for the first weeks of spring.  I recreated her dish at home based on memory and taste.  Darn close to the original...

green beans with fennel & toasted almonds 
serves 2
blanch a small bunch of haricot verts (French beans) in boiling water for about 2 minutes, plunge into an ice bath.
remove beans and place in a mixing bowl.
toss in thinly shaved fennel (a mandolin makes it super easy), toasted chopped almonds, finely sliced red onion (Jenkins actually pickles hers first, which I adore, but I didn't have the time).
add juice from 1/2 lemon, 2-3 teaspoons of good red wine vinegar, a nice dose of extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, mix well and you're done.

(my version above, Sara's pretty version below)

images via: nourish, the L magazine

The Weekend Guide :: More Events Around Town

Even more events and things to do (and eat) this weekend.  For a recap of food-lover events posted earlier in the week, click here.  

Epicurious Entertains - Expansive cooking website Epicurious.com is hosting a weekend full cooking demos, book signings, tastings and chef-driven dinners.  Among the list of events to choose from: 

• Cooking with Kids - {Saturday, Oct. 2nd}  Locanda Verde's talented pastry chef, Karen DeMasco demos be kid-friendly cooking and tasty bites. 
• Red Rooster Preview - {Saturday, Oct. 2nd, 7-10pm} chef and Top Chef Masters winner Marcus Samuelsson teams up with Epicurious for a preview dinner at his soon-to-open Harlem restaurant Red Rooster, which celebrates the diverse roots of American cuisine. 
• Football Fest at Hill Country BBQ - {Sunday, Oct. 3rd, 12:45pm} Sunday football + incredible BBQ...a perfect pairing.  Head to Hill Country for a tasting lunch with executive chef Elizabeth Karmel.
  

Abe & Arthur's - is on my personal dining calendar this weekend.  The chic Meatpacking restaurant, Abe & Arthur's is celebrating its one-year anniversary so I figured it's the ideal time to head back for another well-executed meal (which can be a very rare find in that area of town).  Skimming the menu designed by executive chef Franklin Becker, I'm already eyeing the Tuna Tartare Tacos to start (they were unbelievable my first visit last fall and are definitely a must-order), Roasted Beets & Westfield Farm's Goat Cheese Salad (because I always get my veggies in somehow) and Filet Mignon (I'm normally not a big steak gal, but Franklin's filet is pretty phenomenal from what I recall, though it's certainly large enough at 10 ounces to share).   If you're more inclined for fish or seafood, the Wood-Fired Branzino and the Pan Roasted Scallops with Foie Gras and Cauliflower-Almond Puree and Chanterelles sound amazing.  As for the foie gras, it makes a surprisingly delicious pairing with scallops -- a little light seafood + a touch of indulgence, you can't really go wrong.  To celebrate their anniversary, Abe & Arthur's will be providing all guests this evening (Oct. 1st) only with a complimentary glass of Marquis de la Tour champagne upon arrival as well as a slice of sweetness to bring the meal to a close. 

Edible Schoolyard Brunch @ Franny's - {Sunday, Oct. 3rd} Head to brunch at Franny's and help support Alice Waters' Edible Schoolyard organization which helps teach kids about food, health and the environment. Franny's (295 Flatbush Ave, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn).  Tickets are pricey at $250, but it's certainly for a worthy cause (esynyc.com/frannys)

Help for the Highline - If you're really looking to spend some dough this weekend and eat for an excellent cause, join acclaimed chefs with restaurants near to the High Line as they convene at Colicchio & Sons (10th Ave & 15th St) to cook up dinner to benefit Friends of the High Line.  Tickets are $500 at thehighline.org