Besides the normal chatter of jewelry inside the walls of Argo & Lehne, you will often hear discussions of our favorite restaurants, events, cocktails, day trips and of course, everything art based. Perhaps the commonality began with our passion for jewelry but it’s clear we also share a love for Columbus and all it has to offer. So, we begin our first installment of what will most likely be many of “Argo Approved”- our wonderful experiences about town and what makes us want to keep coming back!
A well-deserved and overdue A&L company dinner took place this month at Hudson 29 Kitchen + Drink. We were looking for a restaurant nearby with great food selections and most importantly, an intimate space to celebrate our team and the retirement of one of the family: Karen Argo.
Karen Argo opening her retirement gift. Husband, best friend and former Argo and Lehne co-owner, Richard Argo, right.
We looked to Bill Argo, second generation owner of A&L, for one of his top places. To list a few of Bill’s favorite activities, it’s hobnobbing with his cronies, sipping on bourbon and indulging in Columbus’s top culinary selections. And so, Hudson 29, a Cameron Mitchell restaurant, located just a few streets over from our showroom on Lane Avenue was selected.
Food Style
Hudson 29 features American Cuisine reinvented, from flatbreads and sushi to heartier fare such as prime steaks, rotisserie roasted chicken and classic sandwiches with a sophisticated twist. You can peruse their menu here. Warning, you may get hungry!
What We Loved Most
Service. Locale. Intimate Space. Food.
For a retailer like A&L, service is always in the forefront of our minds and this Cameron Mitchell restaurant did not disappoint. I could go on and on with all the “right ways” we were treated. Staff was attentive (just enough so), considerate and understanding to our diverse age range and needs. They were conducive to our agenda. We were able to close the door and have a nice moment congratulating Karen on her years at A&L. When we finished, the server promptly open the door and drinks were flowing and clinking. Because we were having such a great experience, time did fly by but we never felt rushed and truly did feel at home.
Speaking of home…did we mention it’s like stepping into a warm and inviting relative’s house? A fireplace when you enter, dark wood floors, leather sofas and a softly lit modern bar. No shock that the food is the perfect complement to the cuisine: rustic meets contemporary.
Enjoying a Bourbon and Honey. Left to right. Bar Chef, Todd Penrod, Argo and Lehne staff, Janet Kerekes and Michelle Berger.
Favorite Dishes of the Evening:
Center Cut Fillets: Grilled beef tenderloin, herb butter, marinated Campari tomatoes and feta. This entree was ordered by a few at the dinner table and I heard nothing but great reviews: “Perfectly cooked, tender, lots of flavor”.
Pan Seared Scallops: Roasted beets, avocado, hearts of palm, Campari tomatoes, golden balsamic vinaigrette. I selected this dish and am so glad that I did! It was a delicious combination of flavors and very fresh.
Mashed Potatoes Colcannon: This is traditionally made from mashed potatoes and kale (or cabbage), with milk (or cream), butter, salt and pepper added. I’m not sure the recipe Hudson 29 has created but it is truly fabulous. All who selected these potatoes were very pleased. Yum!
Wait…there’s dessert! Donut Holes: sugar dusted upside down pineapple cake donut holes with caramel drizzle sauce. Enough said.
For Father’s Day: A Recipe from Hudson 29 and a Gift from A&L!
Thomas O’Brien’s double old fashion crystal glasses from his “New Vintage” line.
An easy decision. When we think of Hudson 29, interior and home furnishings designer Thomas O’Brien’s barware line comes to mind – New Vintage. Again, a new spin on an old American classic. And how can we forget that delicious and refreshing bourbon cocktail, “Bourbon & Honey”? Combined, these two make the perfect accompaniment and best Father’s Day Gift. Cheers to all you bourbon loving dads…this one’s for you!
Thank you, Hudson 29 for sharing this mouthwatering recipe!
Bourbon & Honey Ingredients:
2oz Woodford Reserve
1oz Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
3/4 oz Honey Water
Directions:
Combine ingredients in mixing tin. Add large scoop of ice, cover, and shake vigorously for no less than 5 seconds. Strain into ice-filled highball. Garnish with mint leaf.
