A Hidden Gem Needs To Be Polished
Mariner’s on the Hudson, a little restaurant in Highland located on River Rd. seemed to specialize in seafood and a diverse drink menu. I had never been there myself, but I pass it quite frequently on some loops that I run. Which is what made it so odd, that it was coincidentally shut down when I decided on writing a little profile piece on it. When I went back to really start the investigation, there were then many “Keep Out,” signs and tape surrounding the area, which was in pretty bad condition. After doing some snooping and even getting a tip from a retired journalist, the investigation unfortunately came to an end.
It was not as interesting as I had originally thought, though not being given an interview was relatively interesting in itself. Mariner’s was simply bought out by a new owner who decided to reconstruct the place when the old owners lacked in repairs themselves. After I found this out, it took a little time before finally getting in touch with him, and once I did, it was hard to stay in touch. Only around in the morning at his very own “On A Roll Deli,” in Highland, (not far from Mariner’s) or at night at his more popular Italian restaurant “La Stazione,” in New Paltz. It only took a couple of drop-ins, a few missed calls and ordering a sandwich to finally get in touch with him.
Rich, the owner of “On A Roll Deli,” and “La Stazione,” is a well established owner in the restaurant business, with customers praising him on Yelp and loyal to his deli and Italian restaurant. Though he doesn’t feel ready to speak about his up-coming restaurant “The Landing,” (which will replace Mariner’s), he is very excited about the process and to open it once it’s refurnished and even remodeled.
Mariner’s seemed to be inconsistent with customer satisfaction on Yelp and Foursquare, but undoubtedly has the best view, and is certainly a steal for anyone who is familiar with the business or knows how to run a restaurant. Sitting right on the river front, and the only restaurant on the road, it’s sure to attract plenty of customers with it’s balcony view as well. Not only do Rich’s customers remain happy, so do his workers. Two girls behind the counter at “On A Roll,” jam to Beyonce while preparing sandwiches, and the waiter and bartender at the door of “La Stazione,” make friendly conversation and are more than welcoming, not nervous to speak to or about their boss like many employees often are. “The Landing,” will look to bring the same atmosphere, and be just as successful.
Though there is no word on when “The Landing,” will land an opening date, Rich is hoping to get going in two to three months or so. Looks like this hidden gem just needed to be found, and put into the right hands.
