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, 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, 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, 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)
