Hudson's on the Bend: A Walk on the Wild Side

Hudson's On the Bend is a fine Hill Country restaurant on Highway 620 with a reputation that may be even more exotic than some of its diverse cuisine.

Let's set the record straight. They do serve wild game including rabbit, smoked quail, elk and well, even a little water buffalo. They do not serve African elephant, hippopotami, or anaconda and God knows what else that's been rumored.

Okay? Are we straight on that?

This is one of my favorite restaurants. In part because owner Jeff Blank has dared to be different and introduce more exotic dishes and in part because the quality of the cuisine, both exotic and otherwise, is just outstanding.

For example, the venison stuffed with Smoked Lobster atop a Guava Sour Sherry Sauce is a remarkable dish. Even if you're never tried venison and are a bit squeamish, even if Bambi is your favorite movie, I repeat, order this dish. That's how good it is. And try the Smoked Shrimp Quesadillas with Avocado and Goat Cheese as an appetizer, or the Black Bean Ravioli topped with Crawfish. And I sincerely recommend the Rattlesnake Cakes with Chipotle Cream Sauce. No, I'm serious here. I tasted these at the Hill Country Wine and Food Festival and they brought the house down!

Want to live on the wild side? Try the Grilled Tenderloin of Ostrich served with a Porcini Mushroom Sauce. For my money, ostrich is much tastier than its cousin the emu. Too adventurous for you? Hudson's has more typical American fare as well. I like the Shiner Bock-marinated Angus ribeye with a beautiful green pepper sauce and the hot and crunchy ruby trout is an awesome display of culinary skill. Another classic is the Grilled Lamb Loin with Ancho Raspberry Sauce. And finally, you've gotta try the Sauteed Lobster and Shrimp over Linguini with a Lobster Sherry Cream Sauce that's at the top of the flavor list. I mean this dish was meant to be eaten, fondly recalled, anticipated, and eaten again upon a return visit.

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