Location: 508 West 42nd street
Cuisine: American and Italian
Best Dish: Can you ever go wrong with homemade pizza? The cheese was gooey and thick beneath generous slices of tender prosciutto. This is one of the best slices we’ve had in a while and more than worth the trip to Hell’s Kitchen.
Overall: KTCHN is an impressive space that is ideal for a hot date or a relaxed meal with friends. The atmosphere is casual and lively adding to its appeal making it a warm and inviting venue for your next outing.
Hells Kitchen is one of the most popular areas in the city due to its proximity to nightclubs, tourist attractions and the theater district. This stretch of blocks in NYC’s midtown area is also home to several great restaurants including KTCHN a sleek modern extension of the contemporary Out Hotel. The eatery is divided into two parts. The front parlor is bright and airy with furnishings against a bright white bar. The interior space is dark and sensual with ambient lighting and a small stage. On the night, we visited we were seated in the interior and were fortunate enough to be serenaded by the soft romantic tunes of a classical pianist.
As the music played we sipped premium cocktails prepared by the staff mixologists. The team at KTCHN created a cocktail menu that celebrates the classics but elevates them to new heights. We enjoyed the “Hudson Caribbean” a lighter less creamy rendition of a classic Pina Colada. This beverage featured vodka fresh coconut, pineapple and a garnish of toasted pineapple. We also recommend The Metropolitan, a sweet but powerful mixture of Bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon topped with a garnish of fresh rosemary.
Once our thirst was quenched it was time to eat. For our first starter, we sampled the calamari. The breading was light and crisp and the inside warm and tender.
If you prefer something meatier we highly recommend the meatballs. These meaty treats are smothered in a rich savory tomato sauce.
Pizza is a New York staple and a must have at any Italian restaurant. New Yorkers are very particular about their slices, Chef Crispin Mejia does not disappoint with his fabulous thin crust Prosciutto pizza. The crust is hand tossed with a nice bite. We absolutely devoured this dish.
We wouldn’t dare leave KTCHN without sampling the pasta. For our pasta course, we went with the Fettuccini Alfredo with shrimp.
For our last entree, we wanted something beefy. The ribeye was the perfect end to our evening. The thick slab of prime beef was seared perfectly and paired with sauteed broccoli and a fully loaded potato topped with cheese and bacon.
In creating this season’s menu Chef Crispin had hoped to create a menu that appealed to the locals and reflected the rich culture of the neighborhood. Mejia did that and much more by offering a delectable menu of familiar favorites modernized and prepared as only a well-trained chef can.
Head over to the KTCHN website for more information.