After seven months of renovations, Hudson Kitchen opened its doors on 800 Dundas Street West (at Palmerston Ave.) in Toronto’s Little Portugal.

This former gallery space has turned into one of the city’s most in-demand restaurants and features Robbie Hojilla (former Sous-Chef at Woodlot and Chef-de-Cuisine at Ursa). It cemented its status as Toronto’s latest “it” eatery during the Toronto International Film Festival, thanks to hosting A-listers such as Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, and Colin Firth.

Despite the fact that Hudson Kitchen is divided into three distinct dining areas (plus a patio), owners Vince Antonacci and Borys Chabursky gracefully succed at making this 1,700-square-foot space an intimate 70-seat restaurant that offers a well-balanced blend of fine dining against a backdrop of casual chic décor. (Click on photo to enlarge and see slideshow).

Executive Chef Robbie Hojilla excels at applying highly refined techniques to mainly locally-driven ingredients to create elegant contemporary American dishes (steelhead trout, veal pot-au-feu) without forgetting to add a subtle touch of his Filipino heritage. Meanwhile, bar manager Jay Meyers offers an excellent list of international wine labels and a few (six) cocktails which have been slightly redefined to stamp Hudson Kitchen’s signature.

For brunch lovers, a brunch menu (including Thuet pastries, socca crêpes, and steak tartare) is currently available on weekends.

Hudson Kitchen has received media attention for to its world-known clientele. However, this restaurant earns its buzz due to its use of seasonal produce, exquisite yet minimalist ambiance, and inspirational dishes, all of which will take your dining experience to a whole new level.

Website: www.hudsonkitchen.com

Address: 800 Dundas Street West, M6J 1V1, Toronto.

Telephone: +1 (416) 644-8839

Special thanks to: EGPR, Duncan Montgomery, and Laura Skene.

Focal Journey (by Gustavo Espinola)