Judging by the crowd at Hudson on Thursday, there wasn't much secret about the "Secret Santa Edition" party!
NORTHWEST -- Regulars of M Street's
Hudson Restaurant & Lounge are familiar with the hotspot's popular series of "offline" social networking events known as "6 Degrees of Separación".
First launched back in September, the concept behind the gatherings is easy to grasp: Provide a relaxed atmosphere through which D.C.'s young professionals can both make new friends and reconnect with old ones, while simultaneously enjoying good music, drinks, and, of course, food.
Thursday night saw the launch of the first "Secret Santa Edition" of the series, which introduced both seasonal and charitable components to the crowded party. Guests were invited to donate new articles of cold weather clothing to the 14th Street Mission, in exchange for which they were entered into a raffle to win gift cards from a half-dozen stores and restaurants, including Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, iTunes, and Hudson itself.
And judging from the number of bags piled high with brand new pairs of socks, blankets, and, yes, briefs at Hudson's backlit entryway, competition was indeed fierce for the prizes up for grabs!
Washington Capitals Game
DJ Stretch kept the crowd keyed up, as hosts
Nicole Siobal,
Erika Paola Gutierrez,
Sara Trab Nielsen, and
Rachel Friedmann deftly mingled throughout the party, making introductions for new faces and catching-up with longtime acquaintances.
Naturally, Hudson owner
Alan Popovsky and Executive Chef
Demetriou Zavala were also ever present, ensuring that the complimentary Italian holiday buffet (think Primavera pasta, antipasti, pizza, sliced beef & chicken, etc.) always remained well-stocked and that there was nary an empty glass in sight.
French liqueur distillery
Cointreau Noir also had generously signed-on as an event sponsor on Thursday, serving-up free tastings of their apéritifs, accompanied by matching sweet treats.
Look out
Kevin Bacon,
Kris Kringle is hot on your tail this season!
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To make a reservation at Hudson Restaurant & Lounge, please visit the location's OpenTable website.