When Shugrue’s Hillside Grill closed its doors almost a year ago, many area residents and visitors were likely dismayed at losing the delicious and creative cuisine from the Sedona dining landscape, but also perhaps devastated about missing what Lisa Shugrue calls, “the best deck in town!”
For those caught off guard by the closed sign and darkened space, this news may come as an inspirational sign for a bright New Year. That deck, those views, and Lisa and Mark Shugrue’s recipe for making it all work with amazing food and beautiful presentations is back.
The Hudson now fills the Hillside space on State Route 179 near Tlaquepaque. The new restaurant had a soft opening last month. It is being touted as a neighborhood eatery – a place where you can share a bottle of wine and bruschetta, or enjoy a steak, chicken sandwich or pork tacos.
For Lisa, it is her neighborhood. She grew up in Sedona and attended Mingus High School in Cottonwood. Mark was raised in Phoenix and graduated from Arcadia High School. The two met at Mark’s restaurant – Shugrue’s in Sedona – which was one of Lisa’s family’s favorites.
Thirty years and three children later (Spencer, Dylan and Ellie), the couple is adding yet another establishment to their impressive portfolio. They have five restaurants in Lake Havasu and, now with The Hudson, two in Sedona (they also own the popular Javelina Cantina next door).
“When you go to The Hudson, you might think it’s going to look the same (as Shugrue’s Hillside), but it’s completely different. We gutted the entire place,” said Lisa. “It’s new and fresh industrial chic with a hip, urban, sophisticated, fun vibe. It’s the kind of place you can take your grandparents and little kids, and everyone will be happy.”
The new restaurant’s name was inspired by the Hudson River in New York. The idea came to the couple last summer while enjoying a river cruise. “My friends say it fits the style,” explained Lisa.
Guests may be delighted by the decorative Venetian plaster and raised ceilings. A large inviting U-shaped zinc-topped bar draws attention to the center of the front room. And that patio with those unforgettable red rock views and colorful Southwestern sunsets? Lisa says it is even better than before.
“We redid it with comfy couches and a fire table. It’s a brand new place.”
The Hudson’s Executive Chef Jeff Storcz, who was executive chef at Greyhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale for 20 years and executive sous chef at the Phoenix Ritz-Carlton, has crafted a menu inspired by modern American grill fare. Appetizers include barbecued shrimp, bruschetta and charcuterie boards. There are seven salads to choose from, plus burgers, ribs, 30-day aged prime steaks, seafood and five homemade desserts.
Many of the ingredients come from local vendors, including micro greens and other produce from a farm in Cottonwood and local farmers markets. The calamari, one of Lisa’s favorite dishes, is flown in from Foley Farms on the East Coast.
Those who know Mark and Lisa may recognize family names attached to their signature beverages.
The Shugrues sold Shugrue’s Hillside five years ago. When it closed last February, they reacquired the space. “After months of love and labor, we welcome the community to relax and make memories in our new neighborhood eatery,” said Mark.
The Hudson offers live music and is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. QCBN
By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN
The Hudson, a neighborhood eatery, is located at 671 State Route 179, Suite D, in Sedona. For more information call 928-862-4099.
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