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the kimberly hotel

Kenta in Melville Blends Modern Asian Cuisine at its Best

by Ryan Shea

As a native Long Islander we fortunately have the reputation of having the best bagels in the world (damn right) but on the flip side of the coin we aren’t necessarily known for our restaurants as a lot of people think all we are is chains.  The latter part of that statement couldn’t be more false as there are a ton of amazing local eateries for anyone to divulge in when they visit or live in Long Island.  One of these great examples is the brand spanking new Kenta located right on Walt Whitman Road in Melville.  Only being opened for about two months, the location is smack dab in the heart of Melville and a short drive away from the famous Walt Whitman Mall which has gone through quite the dramatic improvement in recent years.  Kenta is run by brothers Joseph and James Ragonese, the latter is the front of the house guy who has worked with some of Long Island’s best restaurants for years now.  Running the kitchen in style is up and coming chef Jason Lee, who definitely left a culinary mark on me and my friend upon our exit.

Kenta, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Kenta LI

This is perfect location for many different reasons.  It is great for the business area of Melville for your colleagues to get together for some after work drinks or appetizers, yet also has a family friendly atmosphere that you can adapt to as well.  It has a relaxed and cool vibe to it that my friend and I dug immediately upon arrival.  We knew we were in for a treat ahead.

Kenta, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Kenta LI

Now to the food, which was nothing short of spectacular.  Kenta provided us with a copious amount of options to try, and needless to say they were all fantastic in one way or another.  The Modern Asian Cuisine aspect really was felt throughout the entire meal, as classic met modern in many different ways. So let’s start off with their variety of appetizers.  Kenta has both cold and hot appetizers you can try from, which is great balance to begin.  For the cold, I would recommend The Tuna Poke as the tuna was sliced fresh and really paired well with the avocado, sriracha, scallion and lime-ginger soy. For the Hot Appetizers, the word Kobe seemed to keep coming up as they prepared the delicious beef in two different ways.  One was in meatball form with a sweet glaze, wasabi aioli and a fresh crostini to dip into the latter two.  Something that I thought was fantastic about these was that the wasabi was not overpowering.  Wasabi itself can be quite a lot to take in for people who are spicy-sensitive yet instead of it taking over your taste buds you are left with a simple amount that tastes really deliciously with the meatball itself.  The other way they prepared the Kobe is in a slider with a Kalbi marinade with a spicy garlic aioli.  These sliders do not need any ketchup as the marinade does the work for it.  Perfect bite.   A third bite I would try out before diving into the main courses is the Satay, otherwise known as Chicken Yakitori.  The sauce in the Satay was unique in its flavoring and went really well with the chicken itself.

Kenta, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Kenta LI

I have had my good share of delicious sushi, however the sushi that we experienced at Kenta was far and beyond fantastic.  If you are going to a place like this, it is foolish to avoid getting sushi as they have a ton of classic and special rolls that they provide.  Two that I would go with is what they call The Gracious Balance.  This delight of a roll consists of deep fried eel, mango, avocado and lemon yuzu on the inside and spicy rock shrimp and scallions on the outside.  All of that flavoring put into one really made for eight incredible bites.  No soy sauce needed.  The other is their Island Roll which consists of coconut shrimp and mango on the inside and grilled kani, wasabi aioli and mango sauce on the outside.  Similar eating experience to The Gracious Balance in terms of flavor explosions in your mouth.  Highly recommended.

Kenta, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Kenta LI

When it comes to the main entrees, it is good to have a side dish like their chicken or pork fried rice to compliment whatever you are eating.  It comes with asparagus, scallion and a fried egg on top that adds to the depth of flavor it comes in.  As for the main courses, it runs the gamut however I would try their Miso Chilean Sea Bass and Spicy Jumbo Prawns. Different flavors for sure, however the sea bass and prawns were both cooked perfectly with the right amount of spice on both of them.  Top notch deliciousness.

Don’t just take my word for it though.  If you are ever in the Melville area and need a place to wine, dine and have fun… check out Kenta.  Worth the trip in my opinion.  Want to know more about Kenta?  Check out their official site.  Happy eating everyone.

 

Filed Under: FOODIE, LIFESTYLE Tagged With: joe ragonese, jordana maurer, kenta, manhattan digest, melville, the kimberly hotel, walt whitman mall

Hungry? Check Out Ibis & Bistango In The Kimberly Hotel

by Ryan Shea

The Kimberly Hotel, Manhattan Digest, Bistango

Sometimes two really is better than one.  And make no exception, these two restaurants fit that bill and then some.  I recently had a fantastic stay at The Kimberly Hotel, located on East 50th between 3rd and Lexington.  While I was there, I became aware of two great restaurants with very different cuisines at each.  Bistango, located directly to the left of the hotel, is the best in Modern Italian cooking, whereas Ibis, to the right, dabbles and dazzles in Mediterranean. During my stay at The Kimberly I was delighted to experience both first hand, and they were top notch when it came to decor, quality, service and of course taste.  Check out my review of both.

The Kimberly Hotel, Manhattan Digest, Bistango
Credit to: The Kimberly Hotel

Bistango 

Upon entry to Bistango, you get a warm and inviting sense from its environment, in particular the way the decor is set up.  The color of red is splashed throughout, and mixing that with the beautiful decor and wooden floors elevates this particular restaurant to an entirely different level.  The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating to say the least, and for a restaurant that is very new to the NYC food scene, I would say they have a great shot of being a huge success going forward in 2015 and beyond.

Manhattan Digest, The Kimberly Hotel, Bistango
Credit to: The Kimberly Hotel

As previously mentioned, they excel in all things Italian.  While I dined there, I was able to try some exceptional meals from beginning to end, and I would recommend trying these out and then some.  If you are at an Italian place, it is somewhat necessary to try out their Meatballs.  The ones they have on their appetizer menu which is traditionally called their “Meatballs Al Forno” and it comes with a zesty tomato sauce and parmesan.  Great way to start the meal off.  Another starter that I would recommend is going into the Flatbread route as they have nine different & very unique selections, all different from each other.  if I had to choose I would recommend the Agnello, sort of a Greek flatbread that comes with Braised Lamb, Feta, Lemon and Long Peppers.  All flavors really burst in your mouth and is another shining example of why Bistango is so great.

The Kimberly Hotel, Manhattan Digest, Ibis
Credit to: The Kimberly Hotel

For their entrees, I would stick with a traditional Italian dish and head towards the pasta route.  The one I highly recommend is the Fettucine with Lobster, Octopus and a Marscarpone-Marinara.  As someone who has never had Octopus before I thought it was quite scrumptious and was cooked properly as I never really got that rubbery taste that Octopus can bring.  If you enjoy a good mix of meat with your pasta I would recommend the Rigatoni with Short Rib and Salsa Verde Rustico.  Good combination of flavors and the short rib was cooked to perfection.  After such a hearty meal, you can finish light or go quite the opposite by trying their delectable desserts like Olive Oil Ice Cream with a caramel gelee or their creamy and delicious Tiramisu.  Overall, 10/10 in my book.

The Kimberly Hotel, Manhattan Digest, Ibis
Credit to: The Kimberly Hotel

Ibis

Ibis is a stark contrast compared to how Bistango looks.  It is quite large in its space and has a theatrical vibe upon arrival, something that would’ve been popular back in the 50’s and 60’s.  Upon further investigation i found out that Ibis actually used to be an opera house back in the 1920’s where legends like Lucille Ball would come and perform.  Honestly, when you are in the same building as someone as legendary as that, you get the sense that this place is doing it right.  This location has gone through its changes over the past century, however Ibis looks like its doing the overall scheme of things as a job well done with its food and atmosphere.  I love how dark and beautifully colored the walls and decor is, and they also have a great upstairs portion where you can host a party or gathering with your friends and family.  Quite grand indeed if I do say so myself.

The Kimberly Hotel, Manhattan Digest, Ibis
Credit to: The Kimberly Hotel

The food itself was quite majestic as well, all with a Mediterranean theme.  If we start in the appetizer category, try the Calamari as it is fresh with a great crunch.  You can’t avoid Hummus when you are at a place like this, and they do not disappoint. The chickpea, sesame sauce, garlic and lemon juice really compliment each other and go well when you are dipping the fresh bread into the Hummus itself.  Another two items worth dipping something into is the Smoked Eggplant pureed with garlic & olive oil and the Artichoke Heart with carrots, potatoes and green peas.  Definitely a great way to start your meal off.

For the main courses, a Dry-Aged New York Steak is something one should never say no to.  They cooked it to perfection and complimented it with some tasty mashed potatoes and flavorful Asparagus.  My friend opted to go the fish route and try the Branzino served with an Arugala salad.  Lighter, fresh and overall tasted great.  Once again, another 10/10 experience.

For more information on Ibis, Bistango and The Kimberly Hotel, check out their official sites below.  If you are ever in Midtown east I would highly recommend trying them out!

The Kimberly Hotel- 145 East 50th Street

Ibis

Bistango

Filed Under: FOODIE, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL Tagged With: bistango, ibis, kimberly hotel, manhattan digest, the kimberly hotel

Why You Should Check In To The Kimberly Hotel & Upstairs

by Ryan Shea

The Kimberly Hotel, Manhattan Digest

When it comes to your hotel stay in Manhattan, several ones simply just don’t go the extra mile when it comes to providing more than just a bed and free Wifi for their guests.  When and if you are staying in a city like Manhattan, you want it to be a memorable one for more than just that.  So when I heard about the fabulous offerings that The Kimberly Hotel was providing, I knew I had to learn more about it.  The Kimberly Hotel is a European-style boutique hotel, offering gracious hospitality, timeless elegance and a renowned location in the heart of midtown’s fashionable East Side. A member of WORLDHOTELS Deluxe Collection, the Kimberly Hotel offers 192 spacious guestrooms including luxurious one and two-bedroom suites highlighted by private balconies and wet bars.

The one fantastic thing that is worth noting about The Kimberly Hotel is that you really don’t have to leave it to have an amazing night.  I mean, you are in New York City so naturally you will want to go out and experience all that this city has to offer, but in this situation I would beg to differ.  The Kimberly Hotel has not one, not two, but three different types of entertainment amenities right on their premises.  In the mood for some delicious food?  They have you covered.  You can check out the best in Mediterranean cuisine at Ibis, which is located directly to the right of the main location.  Not in the mood for Mediterranean and want to go a different route?  Definitely try out their Italian counterpart and brand new restaurant called Bistango located directly to the left.  Want a chilled, relaxed environment with great music and cocktails?  Try ‘Upstairs,’ the 3,000 square-foot rooftop bar offering spectacular 360-degree views of Manhattan.  I was able to review all three (Ibis & Bistango will come in a later review.  A delicious review mind you).

The Kimberly Hotel, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: The Kimberly Hotel

The suites at The Kimberly Hotel are majestic and grand, with beautiful colors throughout.  The bed itself has got to be the comfiest bed I have ever stayed in, and the amenities in the room itself were quite spectacular.  The balcony overlooked some of the best of New York City, and the overall room experience I have to say was a 10/10 in my book.  If you are a single person checking in or with a group, this particular hotel has you covered when it comes to the size of the suite they have prepared for you, on top of the fabulous customer service they provide.  Truly had a wonderful time.

Manhattan Digest, Upstairs, The Kimberly Hotel
Credit to: The Kimberly Hotel

With the warmer weather hopefully coming soon (Snow this weekend! No!) many New Yorkers are set to be spending more time outside with friends and family to experience this city in the heat most of us have been waiting for.  Something that is great about The Kimberly Hotel’s lounge Upstairs is that it has dual functionality when it comes to its look.  In the situation above, the cover that is usually up is taken down and customers can experience the warm summer breeze with some of the best top shelf drinks that the city can provide.  It also offers a 360 degree angle of Manhattan, and the sights from Upstairs are quite breathtaking and spectacular if I must say so myself.  It is a very chill vibe as I stated previously, and the perfect place for your next assortment of parties you are having as Upstairs itself is spacious and large.  Definitely an amazing add on to an already fabulous location.

Manhattan Digest, The Kimberly Hotel, EJ Media Group
Credit to: The Kimberly Hotel

I’m not the only one that thinks The Kimberly Hotel is pretty freaking awesome.  Check out some of the awards they have won in recent years-

Awards & Accolades:

  • Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2014
  • U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels Award 2014
  • Condé Nast TravelerGold List 2014
  • Expedia “Certificate of Excellence” 2014
  • Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2013
  • Condé Nast Traveler 16th Annual Business Hotel Awards
  • Expedia “Best of VIP Access” Hotel 2013
  • Expedia “Certificate of Excellence” 2013
  • U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels Award 2013
  • WORLDHOTELS“Best in Class,” Annual Conference 2013
  • Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2013

When top publications like Conde Nast and Expedia are referencing you as the best, you have something great going on.  Some other things to mention about The Kimberly Hotel is that they include newly designed meeting and private event spaces, an on-site fitness center, and complimentary access to New York Health & Racquet Club’s fitness facilities and seasonal private yacht sails further to heighten the guest experience.  So when you have all of this under one roof, why bother staying anywhere else?

Want to know even more information about The Kimberly Hotel?  Check out their official site.

 The Kimberly Hotel

145 East 50th Street (Between Lexington & 3rd)

(212) 702-1600

 

Filed Under: LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL Tagged With: kimberly hotel, the kimberly hotel

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