“It’s been quite a while since I’ve sat down and written. I’ve been incredibly busy lately with The Cellar, my twin 4 year olds, and working on expanding The Cellar family! 20 years ago I sat at this same spot and interviewed with Proprietor Mike Oats to be on the opening team of Café Hidalgo. I was lucky enough he saw something in me and gave me the job. Seeing Hidalgo is in the Villa del Sol as well, it was easy for Mike and I to remained good friends. It was when Mike was looking to move on from Café Hidalgo to pursue new ventures (Including running for Fullerton High School Board) that I knew there wouldn’t be a better fit than to take ownership of a Restaurant that I hold so near to my heart.
I ask you to join me on this journey as it’s sure to be a fun ride. Much like The Cellar, I won’t be coming in and doing a complete overhaul. I plan to keep the integrity of the restaurant while giving it some love. Two of our Bar Managers, Monica and Dustin Adams (who was voted Bartender of the Year), will be heading over to introduce an exciting new cocktail menu. We will be bringing the same fresh ingredients and unique spirits The Cellar uses, as well as some more approachable drinks and well known spirits as well. I feel The Cellar will always be a one of a kind restaurant, deep rooted in history. My goal is to give Café Hidalgo the love to push it to the next step in Mexican dining in Fullerton. Amazing drinks, an atmosphere where you can visit with friends and loved ones, and an incredible menu. We will be keeping some favorites and adding new, creative options on the menu as well. Hidalgo is also open for lunch, and soon brunch, so it will be exciting to venture upstairs and into the sunlight! We will be officially taking over this Thursday. While new drinks and some menu items will be available immediately, the restaurant ambiance will be changing over the next few months.
Thank you all so much for your continued support of The Cellar, it’s because of you that we are able to do what we love. I hope to see you at Hidalgo down the road. Please say hello when you stop by!”
-Ryan Dudley
