There have been countless numbers of articles in the press discussing the upcoming Hudson Restaurant Week. By now, I’m sure you know all about the amazing opportunity it presents to sample dishes from the best of Hudson County, during weekdays (depending on the restaurant), from July 26 to August 6, 2010. I’m sure you’ve heard how the finest eateries across Hoboken, Jersey City, Weehawken, and West New York are offering prix-fixed meals at a low price, starting at $13 for lunch and $23 for dinner (excluding drinks, tax, and gratuity). But what about where it came from? Which restaurants are involved, exactly? How do the restaurants feel about this project? What food are we talking about? I don’t know about you, but I am sick of standardized, press-release articles. It’s time for some Kat Investigation.

Who or what gave birth to the Hudson Restaurant Week?

The Hudson Restaurant Week was founded in 2005 by Tamara Remedios, a young entrepreneur skilled in promoting both entertainment and where to find it. In 2003, her magazine, Get Out Hudson, was originally created to inform residents in the Hoboken area where to find the best nightlife, dining, and shopping, while keeping tabs on the newest travel, beauty, health, and community developments. Tamara is a woman after my own heart, reminding Hobokenites that the best locations are in their own backyard!

According to Ms. Remedios herself, the Restaurant Week began “as an idea to better help and promote local restaurants in Hoboken and Jersey City.” Always the gracious woman, Ms. Remedios was adamant in her opinion of the restaurants’ place in the event, after thorough questioning on my behalf; “However much I’m proud of [The Hudson Restaurant Week’s] growth over [the past] six years, it’s not my event- it’s the restaurants that get all the credit. Without them, there isn’t an event.”

Well said, fellow Lady of the Hudson! Each year, over 20,000 people sample the various restaurants’ epicurean delights- some driving from over an hour away just to experience hometown favorites, such as Amanda’s,  3 Forty Grill, or The Madison.

How do the owners of involved restaurants feel about the project?

One word: ecstatic! Whether the restaurant has been in the lineup since 2005 or recently joined the ranks, the Restaurant Week’s participants couldn’t be happier to be involved!

I asked the folks behind two HRW establishments to share their thoughts on the upcoming week, and they quickly filled me in on the positive vibe created by the event. Drew Cheben, manager of the newly re-opened Clam Broth House and HRW Newbie, stated, “First and foremost, HRW has gained notoriety as being the best and most well organized program in Hudson County for promoting the restaurant business....the Hudson Restaurant Week is a good way to showcase what we feel we have perfected.” The Clam Broth House is planning on serving up staple dishes for the week, such as Guinness fish and chips, swordfish kabobs, shellfish cioppino, and mascarpone cheesecake.

Jerry Maher, owner of the 3 Forty Grill, longtime Hoboken landmark and experienced HBW establishment, describes the win-win situation for both the restaurants and customers; “It [HRW] is not only a huge boost for business for us, but lets many new diners experience our food at a substantial discount.” The 3 Forty Grill’s menu includes such mouthwatering favorites as grilled portabella-garlic bruschetta, panko crusted chicken, balsamic glazed beef tenderloin skewers, sesame seared sushi grade tuna, and Black Angus hanger steak au poivre.

What are the expert’s recommendations?

Avi Ohring, guide to the local Mangia Hoboken Food Tour, kindly offered his opinion on which restaurants readers should hit up during the course of the Hudson Restaurant Week! Of course, this is Mr. Ohring’s personal opinion, but let’s give credit where credit is due-- I mean, he is the expert to all things ho-BAKIN! (I promise I will never say that again.) According to Avi, check out Amanda’s, the Brass Rail, and The Madison (amazing Sunday brunch)! Oh, and though unfortunately this isn’t on the HRW list, he suggests you have some pizza at Grimaldi’s (133 Clinton St.) as well-- apparently they have a coal brick oven? Who knew?

What are the participating restaurants, and what are they serving?

Allow me to enlighten you about the participating, Hoboken establishments! For locations, schedule, parking, and full menus, click here.

3 Forty Grill (www.3fortygrill.com): 201-217-3406
Food: American/Continental
Sample Dishes: Fritto Misto, Grilled Portabella-Garlic Bruschetta, Sesame Seared Sushi Grade Tuna, Hunter Style Braised Beef Short Ribs, Death by Chocolate Brownie

Amanda’s (www.amandasrestaurant.com): 201-798-0101
Food: American/Continental
Sample Dishes: Currently unavailable.

Arthur’s Tavern (www.arthurstavern.com): 201-656-5009
Food: Steakhouse, American/Continental
Sample Dishes: Manhattan Clam Chowder, Arthur’s Junior Cut Sirloin, BBQ Ribs, Ice Cream Cake Roll

The Brass Rail (www.thebrassrailnj.com): 201-659-7074
Food: American/Continental, Seafood
Sample Dishes: Steamed Mussels, Jalapeno & Honey Marinated Chicken Breast, Mustard Glazed Scallops, Shrimp & Sage Ravioli

Clam Broth House (www.originalclambrothhouse.com): 201-656-1111
Food: Seafood, American/Continental
Sample Dishes: Guinness Fish & Chips, Penne with Shrimp, Shellfish Cioppino, Roasted Salmon, Mixed Berry Cake

The Clinton Social (www.clintonsocial.com): 201-239-0063
Food: American/Continental
Sample Dishes: Chilean Seabass, Pork Chop Milanese, Roasted Free-Range Chicken, Apple Crisp

Dino & Harry’s (www.dinoandharrys.com): 201-659-6202
Food: Steakhouse, American/Continental
Sample Dishes: Trio of Empanadas, Petit Filet Mignon, Grilled Salmon, Key Lime Tartlet

Elysian Cafe (www.elysiancafe.com): 201-798-5898
Food: French, American/Continental
Sample Dishes: Elysian Burger, Key Lime Pie, Mussels with White-Wine-Garlic Sauce, Marinated Skirt Steak, Roasted French Chicken Breast, Creme Brulee

Gaslight (www.gaslightnj.com): 201-217-1400
Food: American/Continental
Sample Dishes: Lobster Bisque, Shrimp & Scallops, Apple Cobbler, New York Cheesecake

The Madison Bar & Grill (www.madisonbarandgrill.com): 201-386-0300
Food: American/Continental
Sample Dishes: Currently Unavailable.

The Quays (www.thequayshoboken.com): 201-656-2521
Food: American/Continental
Sample Dishes: Grilled Steak Wrap, Chicken & Wild Mushroom Stuffed Crepe, Cilantro & Lime Marinated Chicken, Tri-Color Fusili & Shrimp, Pan-Seared Chilean Seabass, Gelato

Trinity (www.hobokentrinity.com): 201-533-4446
Food: American/Continental
Sample Dishes: Changes Daily.

The Turtle Club (www.hobokenturtleclub.com): 201-710-5960
Food: American/Continental
Sample Dishes: Rustic Tuscan Bread Salad, Turtle Club Panini, Baked Rigatoni, Blackened Tilapia, Cheesecake of the Day

Zylo Tuscan Steak House (www.zylorestaurant.com): 201-253-2500
Food: Steakhouse, American/Continental
Sample Dishes: Zylo Steak Burger, Rigatoni Al’ Amatriciana, Passion Fruit Semifreddo, 20 oz. Bone-In Ribeye, Chicken Grilled w/ Lemon and Rosemary

Well readers, I hope this helps! As for me, a newcomer to Hoboken, I look forward to this event giving me an excuse to stuff myself. Who knows? You might just run into me at Amanda’s! Or The Madison. Clam Broth House.......?