Hudson Rings In 2011 In Style; Brings A Touch Of (Sexy) Hollywood Glam To D.C.!

NORTHWEST -- Any time Hudson Restaurant & Lounge's heated white tent goes up at the corner of M and 21st Streets, passersby know that something special is about to take place. And Friday night was no exception as the popular eatery and nightspot threw its annual New Year's Eve party.

With a distinctive "Hollywood Glam" theme and a host committee that included Alan Popovsky, Nicole Siobal, Sara Trab Nielsen, Victoria Michael, Erika Paola Gutierrez, Rachel Friedmann, Micha Weinblatt (of Crooked Monkey fame), Maggie O'Neill, and Meredith C. Fineman, it was little surprise that Hudson's end-of-year (or start-of-year) bash quickly sold-out.

Upon arrival, guests were invited to walk the customary red carpet before a team of clipboard-wielding greeters graciously ushered them inside.

For those wise ticketholders who opted for one of Hudson's tasty dinner packages, Executive Chef Demetrio Zavala had prepared a special four-course menu boasting everything from Lobster Bisque with 7-Herb Popover and Lemon Thyme Waffle & Florida Stone Crab starters to a Miso Sous-Vide (a special airtight method of cooking) Wild Salmon with Wasabi Snow Cone and Wok Vegetable entree to Pumpkin Cake Sliders with Eggnog Ice Cream and Chocolate Souffle with Amaretto Cherries desserts.

Dinner guests were even each treated to a complimentary bottle of Cointreau Noir liqueur to pair with their dessert choice!

Meanwhile, late night revelers and VIP bottle service ticketholders were invited to grab a drink at the silkily backlit inside bar or head directly to the heated outdoor tent which also, naturally, housed its own team of bartenders.

In keeping with the evening's theme, cutouts of famous Hollywood stars (Michael Jackson, Elvis, Sinatra, etc.) and starlets (Marilyn Monroe, R2D2 (yeah, we made R2D2 a starlet)) lined the walls of the restaurant.

And Maggie, who is spearheading design plans for Alan's forthcoming Lincoln restaurant, had also temporarily turned her artistic sights on Hudson's tent for the party.

Colorfully-decorated couches, some even boasting the occasional encouraging message, had been strategically scattered throughout the outdoor pavilion, while a series of impressive chandeliers and disco balls dangled from above.

When taking a break from dancing to the rich soundtrack provided by DJ Las Bandidas, guests flocked to the Svedka Vodka photo booth for an entertaining online souvenir of the festivities:

Ah, 2010... We hated to see you go, but it sure was fun watching you leave!