Why this competitive dining experience might just be the best (and hardest to get into) reservation in New York
When a random Instagram post claimed to reveal the hardest reservation to score in Brooklyn, it piqued my curiosity. But once I saw it involved a live chef competition—Iron Chef style—I took it as a personal challenge. As a self-proclaimed food fanatic and competition-show junkie, I knew this was the ultimate date night for my boyfriend and me. Enter Hudson Table in Brooklyn, a high-energy culinary studio known for immersive cooking experiences.
Their Chef Competition dinner experience? It’s not just a night out—it’s a front-row seat to a high-stakes culinary battle where you get to be the judge.
How to Score a Spot at the Table
Let’s get this out of the way: Tickets are tough to get—and for good reason. These events sell out within minutes. Here’s your insider tip:
•Go to Hudson Table’s website
•Set a calendar reminder for the next ticket drop (they go live at 11:00 AM sharp)
•Have a few preferred dates in mind
•Choose between counter seating (for action junkies) or table seating (for a cozier, more conversational experience)
•At about $160 per person, it’s an investment—but one that comes with three inventive courses, a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, and bragging rights.
The Set-Up: Kitchen Stadium Meets Intimate Eatery at Hudson Table
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm bread and a zesty pesto spread, followed by a curated beverage menu. We chose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and an Old Fashioned that was so good, we ordered it again.
The dining space is divided between tables and a sleek counter where guests are essentially dining on the front lines. It felt like being part of a live taping of a cooking show.
At each seat: a scorecard, the evening’s mystery ingredients, and a buzz of anticipation.
The Mystery Basket Challenge
Our chefs for the evening were Chef Angie and Chef Bryan, each with a sous chef in tow. An hour and a half before the event, they were given a list of mystery ingredients including:
Black Garlic
Cauliflower
Strawberries
Savoy Cabbage
Red Miso Paste
Dried Apricots
Greek Yogurt
Funyuns (!?)
Fillo Pastry
Chicken Thighs
Salmon Fillet
The challenge: Prepare three courses—appetizer, entrée, and dessert—in 40, 35, and 20 minutes, respectively. And yes, there’s a time penalty if plating isn’t finished on time.
Let the Battle Begin
Appetizer Round:
Chef Angie blew us away with salmon cakes—crispy on one side, baked on the other, and bursting with flavor. Chef Bryan went street-style with salmon tacos that packed a punch. A tight race right out of the gate.
Entrée Round:
Both chefs took on chicken thighs, and both delivered. Chef Bryan’s popcorn chicken with lime rice was deceptively simple and completely satisfying. Chef Angie’s baked chicken and rice combo was more delicate but rich in flavor. Another round, another tough call.
Dessert Round:
This was where creativity soared. Chef Angie gave us a strawberry ice cream with a Funyun-crusted brownie—yes, really—and it was weirdly wonderful. Chef Bryan leaned into his Asian culinary roots with a dessert that instantly took me back to a treat I once had in Vietnam.
The Power Is in Your Hands at Hudson Table
As diners, we were the judges. Our scorecards asked us to rate each dish on presentation, taste, and creativity. After the final bite, the scores were tallied, and each table got to share their pick.
The winner? Chef Angie!
But honestly, we were the real winners. Every dish delivered, and the chefs’ interaction with the guests made the whole evening feel personal, engaging, and unforgettable.
Make a Reservation for Hudson Table if You Can!
Hudson Table’s Chef Competition is more than dinner—it’s part show, part game, and part gourmet event. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a unique date night, or just looking to spice up your dining routine, this is an experience worth fighting for (digitally speaking, of course).
Bonus: They offer hands-on cooking classes, private events, and even multi-course chef’s tables at their Brooklyn, Hoboken, Philadelphia, and Stamford locations.
So set that alarm, grab a seat at the counter, and prepare to eat, judge, and enjoy a night you’ll be talking about long after the final course.
