Elite Tasting: The Hudson

From what I heard, this was one of Nitar’s first events. I was telling people that this was my 2^nd smallest Unilocal event ever, and ohhhh so intimate. The smallest ever was actually the Cereal for Dinner Event during the Passport to Pasadena. This was was small, but the feasting was enormous.
Parking was a bit tough around the restaurant. Maybe 1 or 2 people got lucky with free street parking. The Hudson had it’s own pay lot that it borrowed from one of the adjacent strip malls.
-=-Tasting the Appetizers-​=- The servers were pretty conscious to make sure that everyone got at least a sample of all the foods. They would periodically check up on us to make sure that we were satisfied with the food. Big props to the attentive service. Appetizer courses were pretty light with the favorite on the Albacore Crudo. This plate was comprised of a guacamole like spread. This was the favorite in our group. Moving on to other notable appetizers, the Mac and Cheese was a good filler. It had a sharp spicy after taste of jalapeño that some may not agree with. What we did agree on though was that this dish was a great filler in case all the other courses didn’t fill you.
-=-Tasting the Main Courses-​=- Appetizers seemed to have filled us by the time we got to the main courses. No one in our group was particularly wow’ed by any specific dinner dish, but we agreed that they were all pretty light eating and would be easy going down. The salmon was glazed by a caramelized sugar which brought an interesting taste, but not too unique and dry at most bites. The other choice was a brown rice and veggie dish. It lacked a certain main entrée commanding presence and would probably not fare a diner well if they were looking for something more than «fried rice.»
Regardless of some dinner deficiencies, it was still a friendly intimate event and sitting with some old and new friends alike make it a joyous conversing atmosphere. Shouts to my tablemates: Hanae, Troy, Natalie, and Randy. Great hooking up with old friends Aren A and Neil G. Fun meeting new friends Vickie C, Rachael, and Ziva A.
Special thanks to Nitar L for hosting this event. I know this review is long past and behind in my queue, but I wanted to make sure you got all the full credit for hosting this this fun event.

This was not one of your usual Unilocal takeover the whole place type of event. It was a tasting by Unilocal invitation only. It was a small gathering for us but the place was already packed. Getting there a bit early allows the opportunity to select a seat. I believe it was by luck of great company of fellow Unilocalers. Ok, enough blowing smoke everyone’s butt so here we go. Looking over the menu, The Old Fashioned was my choice to go with the bourbon theme of the 3 course menu.
This is one event the few of us were lucky to have participated. First Course allowed us to taste Albacore Crudo which I thought the avocado sauce may have been wasabi so I was waiting for the byte to happen. Country Bruschetta a light flavor and not over powering goat cheese mousse under baby artichokes to the naked eye. When the plate of Chicken Quinoa Meatballs were placed on the table, eyes were popping out of our heads while our mouths were salivating as anticipating camera flashes glowing at the table. The Mac & Cheese was the final dish of the first course. This one definitely has byte when the slight growing heat of the jalapenos kick in leaving you wanting another serving. Our side of the table definitely was peeping over to the other side of the table at their dish virtually untouched. Knowing the second course was coming soon, we minded our table manners.
Second course came Hudson Brown Rice which tasted like Chinese stir-​fry as Roxana described. I was thinking there needs to be a few more layers to be peeled from the brussel sprouts but the broccolini had a crispy texture to add a crunch to this dish. Bourbon Molasses Glazed Salmon was a delight when you add applewood bacon to the dish with a smokey-​ness, yes I know it’s not spelled gramatically correct, the first byte was sending me to a whole new level of culinary experience. I do think the way I eat my steaks, I thought the salmon was a little more done for my liking. However, the plate was still almost licked clean thanks to applewood bacon. Did I mention this twice?
Third course put a Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding in front of each Unilocaler. Not sharing this one since the vanilla ice cream topped it so well. I did think it had great flavor but could stand a bit more of a soaking to make this dish more well rounded as a sopping wet bread pudding because I’m definitely confusing you with this description as I am perplexed about the lack of pecans in this dish. Don’t worry, it still disappeared from my plate. This may be my most descriptive review in a long time but it was well worth it and then some. Catching up with a few old Unilocal friends and making new ones was another highlight of the evening. Now, onto the «after party», oh the night is already over. Next review please.