Love, Loss, and the Perfect Ravioli: Family Dinner at Hudson Local

When I walked into Hudson Local on Wednesday evening, I felt a little shy and socially awkward — invited into their inner circle, surrounded by people I didn’t know — to experience Family Dinner, a unique and intimate culinary event crafted by Executive Chef Samuel-Drake Jones as an homage to his parents.

Born in Paris and raised in France, California, and London, Chef Sam’s multicultural upbringing is reflected in his dishes. When his mother passed away when he was just 15, he began cooking for his younger sister, creating love and care through his food, just as his mother had done for them. His father, a passionate musician and vegetarian who has also passed, was another strong influence that helped shape his menu.

After beginning his culinary journey, Chef Sam trained under notable names such as Bobby Flay and Suzanne Goin, later serving as Executive Chef at the Michelin-recognized Sweetbriar. Around two months ago, Hudson Local opened its doors, and this week’s Family Dinner allowed him to realize a long-held dream: to prepare the meal he would have loved to cook for his parents, albeit in their absence.

With Restaurant Row closer to tourist-heavy Times Square, Hudson Local feels somewhat tucked away from the more bustling part of Hell’s Kitchen. Located on 11th Avenue and 48th Street, the restaurant sits among luxury car dealerships and lighting stores — but don’t let that fool you. Delivering Modern American cuisine, they bring both heart and flavor to the neighborhood, offering not just an excellent dining experience but also a sense of community.

I was quickly enveloped by the warm lighting and the servers’ genuine smiles — personable instead of distant. Yummy nibbles circulated as guests mingled. Sam’s colleague Persephone Chan offered a few welcoming words, and then the meal began.

As soon as we sat down, it felt almost like Friendsgiving: you may not know everyone around the table, but the evening glows with conversation and good company. The restaurant comes alive with relaxed, contented energy — like a busy living room — with music from Chef Sam’s father’s band playing softly in the background. By the end of the night, we’d all made a few new friends.

The first course (and my favorite) was shiitake mushroom ravioli — tender little pillows of pasta in a creamy Camembert sauce, accented with delicate drops of a green something that added the perfect hint of sweet, zesty flavor. My taste buds were truly happy with every bite (and I don’t usually like mushrooms!).

Credit: Sarah Wadsley

The second course was surprising: charred cabbage on a bed of tomato curry, with crispy onion bhaji adding texture and whole gooseberries offering a bright, refreshing burst that balanced every mouthful.

The third course featured a perfectly cooked rib eye with crunchy potato gratin and a spicy harissa paste.

Sommelier Lacey Rozinsky carefully selected wines from France, Italy, and Spain to accompany each course. Several guests remarked on how beautifully the Spanish Tempranillo paired with the rib eye. The restaurant has even launched a wine and social club, allowing like-minded wine lovers to connect while enjoying wines hand-picked by Rozinsky. Members also get insider access to events like this one, among other perks.

Each course was truly designed as a tasting experience. The difference between a bite of just the steak and one combining steak, potato, broccolini, and paste was striking — proof of how much thought went into crafting this menu.

There was even a surprise course: fresh-from-the-oven cornbread shaped like miniature ears of corn, elegantly plated with whipped maple butter — comforting and warm, like the kind your mom makes, only better. The meal concluded with tiny chocolate bonbons presented in a small golden birdcage, a playful nod to British high teas.

The only part of the evening I didn’t wholeheartedly love was the dessert — a play on the English classic Eton Mess. It was a little too blue and too sweet for my taste (and I’m a self-professed sweet tooth). That said, two people at my four-top practically licked their plates clean, so it might just come down to personal preference. For me, it was a slightly uneven end to an otherwise faultless evening of interesting — and absolutely delicious — flavors. I’ll definitely be returning, perhaps to try another dessert (and to beg Chef Sam to add that ravioli to the regular menu).

Credit: Sarah Wadsley

While some of the dishes were created specifically for the event, several also feature on the restaurant’s à la carte menu. If what we tasted is any indication of the care and creativity that go into the rest of their food, you should absolutely book a dinner there soon.

Dining at Hudson Local was delightful — from the ambient lighting and thoughtful décor to the cozy chairs and warm atmosphere. It felt like being part of a big family gathering of the best kind: good food, good wine, and good company on a blustery New York evening.

We even got a peek at their other venue upstairs — Hudson VU — perhaps the city’s best-kept new secret. With incredible views of the New York City skyline just a few blocks west, it stands apart from other rooftop bars that cater mostly to club crowds with cocktails and sub-par snacks. VU’s menu, also created by Chef Sam, is worth a visit on its own. (I highly recommend the steak tartare bites — trust me.)

The evening ended with satisfied stomachs and full hearts. As we walked to the train, we talked about how rare it is to experience a meal that lets you truly understand the reasoning behind a chef’s dishes. It was heartfelt food elevated to fine dining — sophisticated yet relaxed, comforting yet refined. The kind of meal you don’t make at home.

The whole evening felt like a warm celebration — not only of Chef Sam, but of the people and places that made him.

You can reserve a table at Hudson Local for lunch, dinner, drinks, or a pre-show prix fixe menu: hudsonlocalnyc.com