Review: Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel

Items: 4 dishes, 2 desserts, 2 cocktails

Cost: $135.60 (with 20% gratuity)

Best Dish: We were torn between the duck cigars and the Kobe Beef sliders, delish!

Overall: An intimate relaxed setting ideal for a date night or a laid back snack with close friends.

Upstairs at the Kimberly Hotel, well beyond the noisy traffic and street vendors that litters the city, lies an oasis. A friendly door man and red carpet lead the way to this roof top eatery and lounge. A spectacular view of the city light await diners and the retractable roof and heated floors ensure that the often harsh east coast weather will not keep patrons from enjoying the space.  Equipped with lounge like seating in the main lounge, an out door deck beyond the retractable roof and a private room available for special events and exclusive soirees, Upstairs has the perfect space to fit the needs of any party. The decor comes from the creative mind of singer. songwriter, seamstress and Jill of all trades Sylvia Tosun (pictured below). Designed as an homage to Paris and it’s notable heritage of fine dining, the space has a cozy cool vibe, like being invited to a posh penthouse for an exclusive cocktail party. As anyone knows a great staff makes all the difference, and the staff at Upstairs are top notch. The waitresses and hostesses set the tone for the establishment in designer uniforms created by non other than The Blonds!

The opulence doesn’t end there as the menu is directed by world renowned Chef Gwen (pictured below). The French born chef has worked with several celebrity chefs including travel channel sweetheart and author Anthony Bourdain. The charismatic chef Gwen will also lend his talents to the Kimberly’s second restaurant on the street level once the renovations are complete.

The menu for Upstairs offers a well rounded selection of delectable for every palate, featuring familiar dishes with gourmet touches. One of our favorites was the Truffle Mac and Cheese, a decadent dish of piping hot cheesy noodles with truffle shavings.

We also enjoyed the Braised Angus Short Ribs. Covered in a savory sauce the ribs were tender and juicy. The Kobe Beef Sliders were also a big hit, these little morsels melt in your mouth.

Of the dishes we tried the duck cigars was the most intriguing. When we ordered we weren’t sure what to expect and were pleasantly surprised by the familiar rolled shape similar to cannolis stuffed with duck filling. Light tasty and featuring a pomegranate dipping sauce the varying textures of the casing and filling coupled with the savory sauce makes this an interesting delight to the senses.

No dinner is complete without cocktails.  We opted for, The Electrolyte a watermelon flavored concoction featuring pineapple juice and a lemon finish, a favorite of the staff as well as Upstairs Regulars. We also tried the Rum Service, billed as the “manliest” drink alive this ice filled drink features tobacco infused honey, fresh pear and Lime. Both drinks were refreshing and cool, though as far as alcohol content the rum service is definitely stronger than the light and fragrant Electrolyte.

We wrapped up dinner with a dynamic duo of desserts: the chocolate soufflé and the Sticky pudding.  The soufflé was light and airy, a small delicate serving featuring a deliciously flavored cream.  The sticky pudding was  a gourmet adaptation of traditional cake and ice cream. A favorite of Chef Gwen the dish is comprised of a glaze covered ball of date cake accompanied by homemade pistachio ice cream.  Any dish recommended by the man himself is always a great dish but any dish a chef can’t live without could very well become your latest obsession.

All in all a fab night filled with amazing food, addictive cocktails and decadent desserts.  Well worth the expense for a personal treat or a special occasion.  So stop cheating yourself and treat yourself or a loved one to a night they wont forget.

The Kimberly Hotel/Penthouse Level
145 East 50th Street NYC 10022
212 702 1600

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Street energy