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NADU Comes to Phoenix
NADU, AN AUTHENTIC REGIONAL INDIAN RESTAURANT FROM CHEF SUJAN SARKAR, OPENING SOON IN PHOENIX
Award-Winning Chef Sujan Sarkar and Executive Chef Pujan Sarkar Debut New Concept Celebrating India’s Culinary Diversity at Desert Ridge Marketplace
PHOENIX, AZ (PRESS RELEASE) - Chef Sujan Sarkar, the acclaimed MICHELIN-starred and James Beard-nominated chef behind Chicago restaurants NADU, Indienne, Sifr, and Swadesi, is set to open NADU Phoenix this summer in Desert Ridge Marketplace. Meaning “homeland” in Hindi, NADU will transport guests on an authentic journey through India’s diverse regional cuisines, where traditional flavors and local ingredients are seamlessly infused with Chef Sarkar's modern sensibility.
This opening marks the second location of NADU, following the debut of the original in Chicago in spring 2025. Within its first year, the Chicago flagship was named one of the "Best New Restaurants in America" by Eater National, earned a James Beard Award semifinalist nomination for Best New Restaurant, and received a prestigious MICHELIN Bib Gourmand designation, among other accolades. To bring NADU Phoenix to life, Chef Sarkar has partnered with Zest Hospitality Group, the team behind the acclaimed Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine in Chandler.
“We want NADU to reflect the type of cuisine traditionally enjoyed in my home country of India - simple, bold, and full of flavor,” says Chef Sarkar. “Our goal is to highlight the beauty of regional Indian cooking in an approachable way, with flavors people recognize and love.”
The kitchen will be helmed by Executive Chef Pujan Sarkar, a longtime mentee of Chef Sujan and an award-winning chef who also oversees the MICHELIN-recognized Tiya, a modern Indian restaurant in San Francisco.
NADU’s menu draws inspiration from India’s culinary landscape - from Kerala's coastal vibrancy to the northern heartland's rich spices. With an emphasis on local produce and sustainable practices, it will feature approximately 24 curated a la carte dishes that celebrate India’s depth and variety.
In addition to its à la carte menu, NADU will feature a dedicated Regional Kebab Program celebrating India's rich live-fire cooking traditions. Prepared using traditional techniques including the clay tandoor, charcoal-fired sigri, and cast-iron tawa, the menu will showcase regional specialties such as Galouti Kebab from Lucknow, Bhatti Ka Murgh from Punjab, Chapli Kebab from the Northwest Frontier, Duck Seekh Kebab, Stuffed Paneer Tikka, Goli Kebab, and the signature Bihari Kebab. The program offers guests a unique opportunity to explore India's diverse culinary heritage through dishes rarely found in Indian restaurants across America.
The beverage options at NADU are thoughtfully crafted to complement the menu and include cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks infused with traditional Indian ingredients like turmeric, saffron, chili, ginger, curry leaf, and palm jaggery. The cocktail list will highlight regional spirits such as Old Monk Rum, Cashew Feni, and select Indian gins and whiskeys, offering a taste of India’s rich heritage.
NADU will accommodate more than 120 diners in a setting where touches of modern elegance meet vibrant energy. The restaurant’s design reflects the bold, contemporary spirit of India, creating an atmosphere that’s dynamic and inviting. A focal point of the space will be captivating oil paintings by Abhay Sehgal, a rising talent and proud alumnus of the Art Institute of Chicago.
NADU is located in Desert Ridge Marketplace at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd in Phoenix. Its hours of operation are Tuesday - Thursday from 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4-11 p.m. and Sunday from 4-10 p.m. Reservations will be available soon.
For more information, visit naduphoenix.com or follow on Instagram.
Hudson House to Make Greater Phoenix Debut with Two Locations in 2027
Photos: Vandelay Companies
Vandelay Companies expands its Valley footprint with its famed coastal concept, alongside a Fall 2026 launch for the highly anticipated Drake’s Hollywood
(Phoenix, AZ - Press Release) – Vandelay Companies, the hospitality development company celebrated for its timeless design and exceptional dining experiences, is expanding its portfolio by bringing its beloved East Coast-inspired concept, Hudson House, to Greater Phoenix with two new locations slated to open in 2027. The two forthcoming Hudson House locations will anchor premier new developments in the Valley, the first of which will open within PV, the $2 billion mixed-use development by RED Development, and the second will open in Heritage Park, a mixed-use development located in downtown Gilbert's historic Heritage District. Together, the expansion deepens Vandelay’s commitment to the Arizona market, joining the highly anticipated Scottsdale debut of its sultry, celebrity-favorite concept, Drake’s Hollywood, which remains on track for a Fall 2026 opening.
Since its inception, Hudson House has earned a reputation as an elevated neighborhood eatery inspired by the West Village in New York City, with a nostalgic design and a menu heavily influenced by the East Coast sensibilities. Known for a spacious sit-down raw bar and a large wraparound bar, diners can look forward to pristine East Coast oysters, approachable plates such as fish tacos and chicken parmesan, and the fan-favorite cheeseburger, prepared with thin-seared patties and a special house sauce.
At the center of the bar program is Vandelay’s “World’s Coldest Martini.” The famed cocktail is available in multiple iterations, including the savory Bleu & Gold, which is topped with housemade blue cheese stuffed olives. For those preferring a sweeter profile, the Stone Fruit martini mixes peach vodka and white cranberry juice. Whether dropping in for a celebratory dinner, a legendary weekend brunch, or a casual post-work drink, the Hudson House experience is designed to be simultaneously elevated and effortless.
“Phoenix is a dynamic, rapidly growing market with a dining scene that perfectly aligns with our vision,” said Hunter Pond, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Vandelay Companies. “Introducing Hudson House to the Valley with two distinct locations allows us to share our signature coastal hospitality with a broader audience, while we simultaneously gear up to unveil Drake's Hollywood later this year.”
Momentum continues for Drake’s Hollywood, the glamorous, old-school Hollywood-inspired concept set to open its largest location yet in Fall 2026. Located at the prime intersection of Scottsdale Road and 1st Street in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, construction is fully underway on the 8,000-square-foot destination, which will transport guests to the golden era of 1930s and 1940s New York and Los Angeles. Diners can expect the brand's signature plush red booths, a circular bar surrounded by vintage murals, and a menu spotlighting elevated American fare, including the signature Pasta Za Za, Milo’s lobster pasta, parmesan-crusted snapper, and honey truffle chicken, alongside a world-class steak program featuring USDA Prime cuts, dry-aged ribeye, and luxurious A5 Japanese Wagyu finished with white truffle butter.
In addition to its signature dining experience, and strategically hidden within Drake’s Hollywood Scottsdale, there will be an invitation-only Members Lounge, Maître D. This exclusive lounge will be limited to 100 Members and defined by its rarefied ambiance, polished discretion, and a meticulously chosen membership of leaders, change-makers, and connectors. Maître D is where culture, business, and connection quietly converge.
With Hudson House arriving at PV and Heritage Park in 2027 and Drake’s Hollywood debuting in Fall 2026, Vandelay Companies invites guests to follow @thehudsonhouse and @drakeshollywood on Instagram or visit vandelaycompanies.com for future updates and opening announcements.
About Hudson House: Since 2017, Hudson House has paired East Coast comfort food with the warm, sophisticated atmosphere of a classic neighborhood hangout. Famous for its pristine oysters, signature Cheeseburger, and the "World’s Coldest Martini," Hudson House has quickly grown into a favorite dining destination across Texas and beyond, providing a timeless experience for all to enjoy.
About Drake’s Hollywood: Since debuting in Dallas, Drake’s Hollywood has expanded to West Hollywood and Houston, quickly becoming a favorite among celebrities, locals, and travelers seeking a blend of refined cuisine and high-energy atmosphere. Known for its cinematic interiors, impeccable service, and photo-worthy dining moments, Drake’s has carved out a distinct space in the national restaurant scene as both a neighborhood staple and a destination-worthy experience.
About Vandelay Companies: For more than a decade, Vandelay Companies has built a reputation for timeless design, exceptional cuisine, and warm hospitality. With a portfolio of distinctive brands across the country, each concept, from the elegance of Drake’s Hollywood to the coastal charm of Hudson House, blends meticulous detail with a unique sense of place. Vandelay Companies continues to expand while staying true to its roots, creating spaces where every guest feels like a regular and every meal feels like an occasion.