Daily dispatches on the Washington, DC area's food, restaurant and dining scene.
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Feedback: Hudson
By
Peter Bryce
Feed/back—our feature in which we ask you, the diner, for a restaurant critique on the street—is back! This week, we staked out Hudson (2030 M St., NW; 202-872-8700; hudson-dc.com), the psychedelically decorated, open-late replacement for David Greggory in DC’s West End. On the menu? Updated comfort food (matzo-ball soup, cheesesteak sliders) and thin, brick-oven pizzas mixed with cheffier dishes (day-boat scallops with mushroom ragoût, a veal chop with gnocchi). We stopped by last week to find out what diners exiting the restaurant had to say about their meals.
Joshua, Shaw.
Joshua, a foreign-policy writer, lives in Shaw.
What he ate: The Veg Out pizza (“What rescued this pizza from being entirely forgettable was a wafer thin, crackly whole-wheat crust”); pan-seared ahi tuna (“The soy glaze accompanying it was a little salty but presented so sparingly it was unobtrusive; the wasabi potatoes, however, were a revelation . . . whipped to the consistency of a satiny flan”); chocolate cake (“simple, direct, excellent”).
Impressions: “Hudson felt relaxed and romantic—but probably only because we were seated far from the bright-pink lighting, reminiscent of the disco era, and didn’t notice the Motel 6-inspired carpeting until we got up to leave. The staff welcomed us with smiles and laughter and brought the chef out to answer our questions. If Hudson were not pricing most of its entrées in the high $20s, it would be one of the best neighborhood restaurants in the Dupont area.”
Howard and Gerald, Dupont Circle.
Howard and Gerald, who are lawyers, live in Dupont Circle.
What they ate: A Mighty Meaty pizza and mussels for Howard, the pork chop with white-bean ragoût for Gerald.
Impressions: Howard found the meal to be “perfectly fine but not outstanding given the other food options in DC.” Gerald was more enthusiastic: The pork chop was “excellent, seared well” and served with “delicious white beans.” The atmosphere was comfortable and the service “attentive and friendly.”
Cara and Emily, Dupont Circle.
Cara, a program coordinator for a nonprofit, and Emily, a staff writer at the Advisory Board, live in Dupont Circle.
What they ate: They didn’t. They joined friends for the happy-hour drink specials after work.
Impressions: They liked the “sleek” atmosphere and the “loungey feel” in the neon-pink bar area. The lighting and decor were well received: They felt “relaxed in the plush environment” while sipping $6 vodka cocktails (“a little expensive for happy hour”). Emily ate at Hudson two weeks ago and gave high marks to the mussels and calamari.
Have you dined at Hudson? What did you think? Leave your opinion in the comments. Also, check out our past installments of Feedback: Dr. Granville Moore's (September 11, 2007) The Heights (August 29, 2007) Rock Creek in Friendship Heights (August 23, 2007) Locanda (August 15, 2007) Ceviche (August 8, 2007) RedRocks Pizzeria (July 24, 2007) Proof (July 17, 2007)
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Comments
I too disagree with Mary. I have been to hudson several times and each time it has been nothing short of fabulous! The staff is friendly and will do anything they can to make sure your dining experience is top notch. You can’t find service like that too often. I have also attended a private party at Hudson in their private dining room in the back of the restaurant. The room was beautiful with a window allowing guest to view inside the kitchen and a full window with a view of the street. It was a very special experience where all diners felt pampered and had a delicious meal. I will definitly be returning to this great restaurant!
Posted by: Renee, Mar 12, 2008 02:16:27 PM
I disagree with Mary’s comments. I enjoy the food and the friendliness at Hudson. I had enjoyed David Greggory in the past and I have dined at the West End Bistro as well, which I have found the staff to be somewhat pretentious. I’ve had mixed dining experiences insofar as the quality of food is concerned.
I’ve always been made to feel welcome at Hudson, from the moment I have entered through departure, and I’d favorably compare the food quality and value at Hudson to the West End Bistro and to David Greggory.
Posted by: Keith, Mar 12, 2008 08:35:11 AM
I LOVE Hudson...chic decor, quality food and great cocktails. Three reasons to check it out:
1) Only restaurant that serves Matzoh Ball soup on their menu.
2) Great Sunday bunch accompanied by live jazz music.
3) Hudson has a mixologist on staff that creates a housemade tonic which makes a killer gin and tonic, and also serves a delectable "Better Two Pear".
Posted by: Cheryl, Mar 04, 2008 08:16:53 PM
Hudson is entirely forgettable and the food is average at best - especially compared to the outstanding fare that David Greggory offered. Also, West End Bistro is only a block away, and for the same price you can have an incredible meal there instead of Hudson. I give Hudson a year.
Posted by: Mary, Mar 04, 2008 11:04:12 AM
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