Otium Chef Brings Culinary Firepower to New West Hollywood Project - Eater LA

"Otium chef and TV personality Timothy Hollingsworth is spreading his talents to West Hollywood next, taking over kitchen control of the beloved Hudson on Santa Monica Boulevard. The laid-back dinner and cocktail spot has been closed for several months as ownership revamps the restaurant’s dining room and kitchen. The Hudson is a staple restaurant for the more mellow side of West Hollywood, nestled well off the Boystown strip and La Cienega’s club scene. Over the years the moody dining room has mostly focused on drinks and casual bites from meatballs to tacos, but now Hollingsworth will bring his own approach. That means everything from simply orecchiette pasta with spring peas to honey-glazed lamb ribs and beyond. The menu and the price point will both be more accessible than at Otium. Coming along for the ride is chef de cuisine Michael Kahikina, who spent time at Barrel & Ashes previously, and longtime Otium bar director Chris Amirault. The latter will oversee an entirely new bar program for the Hudson when it reopens in a matter of weeks. As for timing, Hollingsworth and partner Ricky McIntosh say they’re still workshopping menu items now in anticipation of a reopening of the restaurant this month, in partnership with existing Hudson owners Dilip Bhavnani and Brandon Hawkins. Look for an opening before the end of the month. Hollingsworth continues to operate Otium, Freeplay, and CJ Boyd’s Fried Chicken." - Farley Elliott