Chef Bill Caruso said one era of longtime western Travis County restaurant Hudson’s on the Bend ended following its sale in April by owner Jeff Blank to Caruso and sommelier Chris McFall. Although the new owners renovated the establishment, Caruso said they hope to retain its iconic Hill Country mindset after reopening Nov. 16.
“There is still game on the menu, but we made the menu more seasonal,” he said. “We’ll be adding things as we go through the seasons.”
Both Caruso and McFall grew up in the area, with Caruso graduating from Lake Travis High School. They met while waiting tables at a downtown Austin restaurant in 2007.
The new chef said he has known Blank—who opened the original Hudson’s on the Bend restaurant in 1984—since Caruso was 15 years old. He said he and McFall pay homage to Blank throughout the eatery, which includes a commissioned painting of Blank.
“Buying the restaurant was very emotionally tied for me, and no one knew it was for sale when we bought it,” Caruso said. “Jeff [Blank] put his heart and soul into this place.”
The restaurant space, formerly known for its small, intimate feel, has been renovated to be more modern and open with an industrial farmhouse look, he said.
A large outdoor patio was also added as part of the remodel project.
“The renovations are airy, open and lighter,” Caruso said. “[That]’s what we did to the food, too.”
The new menu ties in with the eatery’s previous menu choices, incorporating not only the wild game dishes the restaurant was known for but also adding local ingredients and lighter choices. The Venison Tarte ($14) appetizer, which includes cucumber, fermented fresno and yogurt, exemplifies the menu’s new look.
“It’s the use of wild game but doing it in a lighter fashion,” Caruso said.
As for the new beginning of Hudson’s on the Bend, Caruso said he believes that reopening the restaurant was the right thing to do given its legendary Austin status.
“I’m just really excited to be a part of it—the bringing it back to life,” Caruso said. “Jeff led the way.”
Hudson’s on the Bend
3509 N. RR 620, Austin
512-266-1369
www.hudsonsonthebend.com
Hours: Tue.-Fri. 5-11 p.m., Sat.
4-11 p.m., Sun. 4-9 p.m., closed Mon.
