If only the ambiance was as good as the food and service.
SILVIA’S STATISTICS:
Ambiance…………….5/5
Waitstaff………………10/10
Table Setting………..5/5
Menu Selections…..7/10
Food Presentation…10/10
Food Quality………..15/20
Price……………………$$$
GRADE: B+
The Hudson River Cafe, located on the West Side of Harlem, is thought to be one of the only remaining, good restaurant in the area. It is situated in a quiet niche underneath the Henry Hudson Parkway with the water only a skip away. One of my friends had seen a flyer for the place, and we thought it would be a good venue to celebrate my a 30th birthday. We had a great night, laughed a lot, and were in good company. But as always, I had a special eye for the food.
First, the name of the restaurant might be deceiving. Though a great place for brunch on the patio or the rooftop terrace, the place turns into an outdoor nightclub on the weekend. We arrived at around 8 PM and were greeted by a live jazz band and Mojitos at the bar. It was a comfortable, yet trendy, atmosphere for New Yorkers looking for an easy cocktail without all the frills. On the way out, however, the patio and terrace transformed into a chic nightclub complete with outdoor furniture and bottle service. The music and waitresses left much to be desired, however. The DJ sounded like a top 40 hip-hop radio station, playing nothing but the played out. With cocktail waitresses dressed in mini-jumpsuit skirts, platform heels, and no room for lingerie, the restaurant made a tacky turn. Within a few hours, it went from cool, hip, and friendly to pimp paradise.
Nevertheless, since we did not stay too long after our dinner, I will only rate my experience before our interesting detour out. From bartender, to hostess, to our waiter, the service was friendly and good. Though reviews may say otherwise, we must have lucked out. Granted, we threw them a curve and brought our own cake. It took them a second chance to realize we needed cutlery and silverware to serve our cake, but the waiter was nice enough to start us off with the birthday song.
Calamari
The decor was black-and-white modern, accented by iron wall art and candles. It was simple and streamlined, yet welcoming. The cutlery was fabulous. I’ve never held such heavy and solid forks and knifes at a restaurant before. They were more like wedding gifts than silverware used and washed on a daily basis.
When it came to ordering, we were a bit confused. The menu consisted of a very limited selection of entrees. At one time, we thought “O, this must be the appetizer menu.” Nope, it was the whole thing! The dishes were seafood based, which caused an obstacle to one of my friend’s (he’s allergic to seafood). We ordered a variety of appetizers: calamari (which they are famous for), kobe beef mini burgers, coconut shrimp, and empanadas. The dishes were well received all around, though the meat in two of my empanadas were a bit hard to chew through. One of us had the mini-kobe beef burgers, and wound up ordering them again with his entree. Four of our party of eight ordered the half-chicken dish as it was one of the two (maybe) that did not have seafood. I ordered a branzino with sweet plantains, rice, and beans. The fish was served with lemon and was quite good. The plantains were sugar-bombs they were carmalized so much, but at that time I did not mind.
Tres Empanadas - Spinach, Chicken, and Beef
On the whole, the food tasted clean and good. For the price, the dishes could have been more substantial and creative. Though I am a fan of simple food, with an average of 25 dollars a dish, I did expect more of it and more in it. On the other hand, the food was well presented and showed that there was some interesting work going on in the kitchen. Vegetables were layered and sauces were elegantly draped over the meat. Perhaps that was what the price was for. Imagine that….*prices include labor fees.
I do not blame the management for setting those prices, though. The venue is at a prime location and one of the few, good restaurants remaining in Harlem. People will come, rain or shine, if the food is good and the place feels right. Both of which the Hudson River Cafe fulfills…..at least until midnight.
Mini Kobe Beef Burgers
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