A highly social concept with a menu designed for sharing, Hudson Taco is a departure for Nick Citera and Nicolas DiBrizzi, who together own and operate four locations of Cosimo’s restaurants, as well as the Pizza Shop and several other ventures.
“We travel a lot, and we always enjoy eating at Mexican restaurants,” explains Citera. “This is going to be an eclectic Mexican eatery as opposed to a taqueria.”
Hudson Taco will share a home with the Pizza Shop at the West Shore train station. Designed by Warren & Wetmore, the Newburgh location predates its architects’ more recognizable project: Grand Central Station.
“We did our best at really preserving this building,” says Citera. He points to intricate brick design throughout the space, from Flemish bond to herringbone to basket weave. Additional awnings and beams have been modeled after the original structures.
Perhaps most exciting, however, is the newly constructed, 60-foot enclosed patio. Approximately 70 people will be able to dine with a panoramic view of the river and the Highlands. Nano doors will keep folks warm in winter while giving an al fresco feel in fair weather.
Developed in coordination with chefs Jason Kooperman and Matt Sherry, the menu will feature classics alongside trendy fare like steak and Shishito pepper nachos, tuna poke, and Korean barbecue short rib tacos. Hudson Taco will source ingredients from local farms and producers, including meat from Hudson Valley Cattle Company and Murray’s Chicken. They’ve even partnered with Newburgh Brewing Company to produce an exclusive corn lager called Amaízing, which Citera describes as citrusy and creamy.
Thirty new parking spaces and a crosswalk will increase accessibility for customers on Route 9W. These improvements are part of the reason Citera is particularly enthusiastic about Newburgh’s revitalization. He hopes the Pizza Shop and Hudson Taco will broaden the city’s appeal by bridging restaurant row on Liberty Street with the Waterfront.
He sees Newburgh’s situation as representative of the Hudson Valley at large. “I think that people don’t realize the magnitude of what the Hudson Valley will be,” Citera says. “We’re really just at the tip of the iceberg.”
Hudson Taco is scheduled to open in January 2019.
