5 /5 Danielle Spagnuolo-Italiano: Long story:
Nestled on Warren Street in the sleepy town of Hudson, NY is Saint Florian. While Hudson has a vibrant foodie scene it did not have the special mix of what Saint Florian is serving (both literally and metaphorically!).
When entering the historic former fire house we were warmly greeted by staff. The bottom floor is rich with wood, a large bar and tables for more casual dining. Up a beautiful wooden staircase to the second floor you’ll find another sizable, zinc topped bar and cozy seating. The decor is comfortable and playful, including many little nods to the building’s fire house history.
The menu changes seasonally and specials are offered nightly. The menu is protein centric without being a stereotypical steak house. It offers something for everyone, literally. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free foodies will all be satisfied with offerings, here!
As a long time vegetarian I am often left with salads as a main course or need to modify menu items to suit my diet. Saint Florian was a welcome reprieve with a variety of choices for me. The menu does not overlook the vegetarian or vegan diner. More than not overlooking us, Saint Florian is catering to us!
Our table shared the mushroom croquettes appetizer special along with the fried mushrooms and steak tips. The other diners with me reported that the steak tips had excellent flavor and texture. The mushroom croquettes made from locally foraged mushrooms was certainly a highlight- even to the omnivores at the table! The fried mushrooms were crisp and the horseradish sauce to dip them in was stellar. Each dish is elevated using lesser know/unique ingredients to level them up. For example black garlic was used in the steak tips and nutritional yeast was used in a buttermilk sauce that the mushroom croquettes were placed atop.
Main courses we ordered included the fish and chips (fried cod and French fries) which were not only a large portion but were reportedly delicious. The main vegetarian item was a roasted cabbage. It was crave worthy! The quartered roasted cabbage sat on a puree that added sweetness and depth to the roasted quality of the cabbage. Chopped nuts played well with the warm roasted vibe while the fresh dill brightened the dish.
For dessert we ordered lemon crème brûlée along with a scoop each of coffee dark chocolate and peach with sumac ice cream. All were wonderful but the coffee ice cream had us floored. It was the best ice cream I’ve ever had and I really am not a fan of coffee flavored foods. The texture was beyond words- silky, creamy, mousse-like.
The cocktails were unique with fun twists like smoked honey. A nice wine list is available as well.
Service was attentive, well paced and friendly. It added to the experience and made everything super comfortable.
The best word to describe our experience at Saint Florian is thoughtful. It was clear a lot of thought and love was put into every choice made from the design of the physical restaurant to the design of the menu.
Short story:
The Chef/owner has created a restaurant that hits all the marks for what I enjoy when dining out: good portions, well priced for what is received, welcoming/comfortable environment, vegetarian menu items, well trained staff, good cocktails and of course excellent food!