The Hudson Opens Thursday, Michael Mina and Katsuya Uechi Cooking at XIV, Butalanai On The Way

WEHO— Back in the day it functioned as West Hollywood's first train station but more recently long building was known as The Boulevard. However, after a lengthy revamp, the Crescent Heights/ Santa Monica Blvd space will reopen Thursday as The Hudson. Think Edison bulbs, booths, dark wood and an overall pre-Prohibition era feel. Thirty plus beers are available (more than half are microbrews) on tap and in bottles to pair beside moderately-priced comfort food with a modern twist (all dishes are under $25). Best part, The Hudson is open seven days a week until 1:30AM. Hot. [EaterWire]

WEHO— On November 3 powerhouses Michael Mina and Katsuya Uechi will be in the house for an Iron Chef-style (minus the competition part) evening at XIV. Here's the deal. Six theme ingredients, each prepared in the style of Michael Mina and in the style of Katsuya Uechi, so guests can expect a total of 12 courses for $90. Who cooked better? You be the judge. [EaterWire]

MID-CITY— So, as it turns out, not only has Flying Pig Truck launched its mobile eatery, LA Weekly reports that its a test run for another restaurant concept, Butalanai, opening on Beverly in about six months. Right now FPT is serving the same sort of pork-influenced small plates (hm, sounds like Animal) that will appear on the menu at Butalanai with some Hawaiian influences. [LAW]