Huckleberries: Hudson’s Hamburgers once served up a Huckleberry

In the interest of full disclosure, I have a confession to make. I’ve eaten only two hamburgers from Hudson’s in my life. It has nothing to do with the well-documented quality of the Hudson burger, either. I’m the problem. I’m a tad claustrophobic. So, sitting elbow to elbow at a counter with my 17 closest friends won’t cut it. Also, I have this private fear that I’ll accidentally mention fries while ordering and be denied service by the guys at the grill, a la the Soup Nazi. Still, Hudson’s has had an impact on my career. On Nov. 23, 1998, a Huckleberries column leading off with a story about Hudson’s was among the three that helped me win the 1999 national Herb Caen Tidbits Column Award. In honor of the commendation given the Hudson family by the Idaho Legislature this week, I’m repeating that lead item of that contest entry here: “Steve Hudson was at the grill Wednesday when a Long-haired Friend of Jesus entered Hudson’s Hamburgers and asked for a one-pounder. Stunned, Steve explained his renowned Huddieburgers are about a fourth that size. So, the LHFOJ ordered four burgers – to be served between a bun, one atop the other, with only Hudson’s traditional pinch of salt. No onions. Or pickles. Or catsup. Then, as Steve and a Huckleberry bloodhound watched, the stranger grabbed the burger with both hands, squeezed it and gorged. Steve, whose family has been serving burgers in Lake City since Teddy Roosevelt’s second term, had never seen anything like it. Now, that’s what I call having it your way.”