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A MESSAGE FROM HIROYUKI SAKURAI, GENERAL MANAGER
On behalf of the Kitano family and staff, I wish you all the very best in the coming year.
As this is my first holiday season at The Kitano New York, I am grateful for the warm welcome shown by our loyal guests and clients as well as the staff. It has been a very good year for the hotel and we are looking forward to providing the utmost in service in 2009, as is our tradition here at The Kitano New York.
In the coming year, you will learn of new offerings and enhancements to our hotel product. Our goal here at The Kitano New York is to always exceed our guests’ expectations. It is in that spirit that we continue to improve upon our product. Watch for announcements regarding these enhancements in the new year. We are certain the improvements will make your stay with us even more enjoyable.
Holiday time is not only an occasion to celebrate; it is a time to be thankful. We are especially thankful this year as we celebrated our 35th year in the hospitality business here in New York. It is a unique milestone for us and we recognize that our success was made possible by the contributions of loyal guests like you. It is with great humility that I say on behalf of our organization that we truly appreciate your business and thank you for making The Kitano New York your preferred hotel.
On a personal note, I look forward to welcoming you back in 2009 and wish you and your family a joyous holiday season and happy New Year.
With warm regards,
Hiroyuki Sakurai
General Manager
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With its roots based in a fusion of harmonies such as “bassa nova,” the country of Brazil has long been considered a pioneer in what is now considered modern jazz. This New Year’s Eve, The Bar Lounge at The Kitano New York will ring in 2009 with a special celebration highlighting jazz’s Brazilian heritage with a special performance by the renowned Nilson Matta & “The Brazilian Voyage Sextet. Guests will also celebrate the New Year with party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.
Nilson Matta has long been considered one of Brazil’s best bass players. Nilson studied bass at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) with Sandrino Santoro, Brazil’s premier classical bass player. He has recorded multiple albums with the world-renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma and has been called a “powerhouse bass player” by DownBeat Magazine.
The jazz performance will be one show from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., and tickets can be reserved for $75 per person, plus a $20 food and beverage minimum. As space is limited, reservations are required and can be made by calling (212) 885-7119.
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This holiday season, The Kitano New York’s acclaimed Garden Café invites guests to enjoy a taste of international holiday culinary traditions with its special menus highlighting cuisine from Italy and England. On Christmas Eve, the restaurant will feature the Italian ‘La Vigilia di Natale’ and on Christmas Day, the restaurant will offer a traditional English Christmas Dinner in addition to its regular menu. With its tranquil urban garden setting, paired with its wide selection of menu choices, The Garden Café is the perfect locale for a holiday dining experience.
This Christmas Eve, Wednesday December 24, 2008, The Garden Café will feature the Italian ‘La Vigilia di Natale,’ or The Feast of the Seven Fishes, available for $75 per person. An unlimited pouring of select wines from Umbria, Italy is also available for an additional cost of $35 per person. The Feast of the Seven Fishes will be served from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
On Christmas Day, Thursday December 25, 2008, The Garden Café will feature a traditional English Christmas Dinner, available for $65 per person. An unlimited pouring of select local wines featuring Bedell Cellars from the North Fork of Long Island is also available for an additional cost of $50 per person. The English Christmas Dinner will be served from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dinner reservations should be booked early as spots are filling quickly. For restaurant reservations, call (212) 885-7123.
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As the holiday season is often a very busy time for everyone, The Kitano New York takes the stress out of planning a party with its special after-holiday party options. Available now through January 31, 2009, the Kitano New York is pleased to offer stress-free party options to ensure a memorable and enjoyable event. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, within close proximity to large transportation hubs, The Kitano New York offers superior Japanese hospitality and service, spectacular venues allowing the hotel to serve as the ideal locale for receptions and social gatherings.
This year, The Kitano New York offers several distinct menus and party options to accommodate a variety of events. For a casual gathering, the hotel offers a three-hour premium bar cocktail reception for $125 per person (25 guest minimum). For an additional fee, guests will also have the option of adding a carving station to this reception. This package is subject to tax and service and also requires a $185 bartender fee and $185 coat-check person fee.
For a more upscale event, options include an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and dinner buffet menu with a variety of entrée choices tailored to each groups’ tastes. This offering begins at $175 per person (25 guest minimum). It is subject to tax and service and also requires a $185 bartender fee and $185 coat-check person fee.
Guests can also host a formal event at The Kitano New York this season. With an open bar and an hour of passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a three-course meal with cuisine selected by the host prior to the event, this menu will provide a holiday affair to remember. The package begins at $195 per person (25 guest minimum.) It is subject to tax and service and also requires a $185 bartender fee and a $185 coat-check person fee.
Special event holiday menus will be available now through January 31, 2009. For more information about the venues and holiday package pricing, contact Thanya Phanpinyo at (212) 885-7017 or email phanpinyo@kitano.com.
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In honor of The Kitano New York’s special American Girl Place Package, the hotel will hold a special drawing on December 31, 2008, where one lucky participant will have the opportunity to win the popular American Girl Doll, Ruthie, which is currently on display in the hotel’s lobby. Ruthie, who was featured in the movie, Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, is a depression era character who adores fairy tales and idolizes movie stars. Participants do not have to be a guest of The Kitano New York to enter the drawing. On September 30, Karen Rowell of Charleston, SC was the lucky winner of The Kitano New York’s fall American Girl drawing.
 As one of the most beloved icons for young girls throughout the country, many travel far and wide to visit the flagship American Girl Place in New York City. The Kitano New York now makes this pilgrimage even more memorable with its unique American Girl Place Package, available now through December 31, 2009 with rates starting at $330 per night (plus tax). The package is valid Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, weekdays during the summer school break and major holidays.
For more information or to book the American Girl Place Package, call 1-800-548-2666 or log onto www.kitano.com.
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In 1973, The Kitano New York, founded by Mr. Tsuguto Kitano of Japan’s Kitano Arms Corporation, opened its doors as the city’s first and only Japanese-owned hotel. Thirty-five years later the esteemed hotel remains as one of the city’s prominent leaders in the hospitality industry.
To honor this milestone, The Kitano New York hosted a special anniversary reception on November 11 to thank loyal guests and clients of the hotel. The evening, which was held in The Kitano New York’s rooftop penthouse, featured exquisite cuisine, including delicacies from the hotel’s Michelin-rated Hakubai restaurant.
During the event, Ms. Yoshiko Koike, President of the Kitano Arms Corporation, and General Manager Hiroyuki Sakurai briefly highlighted the illustrious history of the hotel and expressed their gratitude to the many loyal guests and clients. To honor this special occasion, the Japanese U.S. Ambassador Motoatsu Sakurai also attended the event.
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The side-splitting comedic tradition of “Rakugo,” which means “sit-down comedy” in English, has entertained generations of Japanese people. On September 17, 2008 this traditional Japanese comedy show came to the Big Apple with New York Hanjotei, which was hosted at the Merkin Concert Hall. The Kitano New York was proud to serve as a sponsor of the event.
Hanjotei is the “yose,” or variety hall, for the showcase for traditional Japanese laughing arts with all verbal, musical, and physical comic crafts together. During the show, the performer sits on the cushion and uses only a fan and a Japanese handkerchief. This style of Japanese comedy is called “Rakugo” or “sit-down comedy,” similar to the American Stand-up comedy.
During the New York Hanjotei performance, attendees enjoyed performances by the renowned Katsura Sanshi and Katsura Kaishi, who is considered to be the King of English Rakugo. The Kitano New York was honored to be a part of such a cultural and well-loved Japanese event.
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KITANO NEW YORK TRIVIA
Question: The seasonal decorations featured throughout The Kitano New York have significant meaning within the Japanese culture. What is the meaning? Sake is served traditionally in Japan on New Year’s Day. What is the significance of this custom?
Answer: Similar to American holiday decorating traditions, the Japanese culture also shares in the custom with special New Year’s decorations offered as they pray for good health and prosperity in the New Year.
In the Japanese culture, “Kadomatsu” are placed in front of houses to welcome the New Year deity, purify the entrance and drive away evil spirits. “Kadomatsu,” made of bamboo and pine branches, symbolizes longevity and prosperity. These decorations will be on display at The Kitano New York and Hakubai entrances.
“Kagami-mochi,” or “mirror-cake,” is a traditional New Year’s decoration that consists of two layered, round rice cakes with a Japanese orange on top. During Japanese New Year’s celebrations “Kagami-mochi” is an offering to the gods for a healthy and happy new year. Guests can find “Kagami-mochi” on display at Hakubai during the holiday season.
It is also a Japanese New Year tradition to drink a cup of sake to shake off the wicked signs of the previous year and wish for a long life. In accordance with this tradition, The Kitano New York serves a cup of complimentary sake to all guests in the lobby on New Year’s Day.
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Upcoming Events & Exhibitions:
Jazz at The Kitano New York: Every Wednesday through Saturday night The Kitano New York offers two sets of live jazz starting at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Throughout the season, The Bar Lounge will host acts including the Emilio Solla & The N.Y. Tango-Jazz Project on Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Morgan Library Exhibitions: John Milton’s Paradise Lost celebrates its 400th anniversary-Now through January 7, 2009
76th Annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular: Now through December 30, 2008
SantaLand at Macy’s: Now through December 24, 2008
Big Apple Circus: Now through January 18, 2009
Grand Central Holiday Fair: Now through December 29, 2008
Hanukkah: Begins at sundown on Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas: Thursday, December 25, 2008
“Ruthie” Drawing at The Kitano New York: Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Nilson Matta New Year’s Eve Performance at The Kitano New York: Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Valentine’s Day: Saturday, February 14, 2009
President’s Day: Monday, February 16, 2009
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Celebrate 2009’s arrival with the Japanese tradition of Osechi at The Kitano New York’s Michelin-rated Hakubai Restaurant. Each New Year’s Day since the Edo Period, often referred to as the beginning of the early modern period in Japan, the Japanese enjoy a seven-course meal called Osechi. This distinctive meal consists of a variety of dishes, each having their own significant meaning to wish you good health, fertility, a good harvest, happiness and long life. Dinner commences with an appetizer and Japanese hors d'oeuvres. Next on the menu is a simmered dish, which is followed by the special of the day, a rice dish, soup and a special New Year’s Day dessert. The Osechi course is priced at $85 per person and the Osechi & Sashimi course, available for dinner on January 1-2, is priced at $110 per person. Dining times are included below and reservations are required.
In addition, guests are also invited to extend their New Year’s Day celebration with The Kitano New York’s special holiday package. On January 1, the Kitano New York will offer a New Year’s Day special package with rates starting at $409 per night, double occupancy. The offer includes deluxe accommodations, complimentary Osechi Lunch at Hakubai on January 2, 2009 and a late 1 p.m. check-out. For hotel reservations, contact The Kitano New York at (212) 885-7000.
Book early as reservations are limited. For restaurant reservations, please contact Hakubai at (212) 885-7111 or hakubai@kitano.com.
Osechi Course: $85 per person
Osechi & Sashimi Course: $110 per person
January 1, 2009 Osechi Offerings:
Brunch Served: 9:30–11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.
Dinner Served: 6:30-7:30 p.m. and 8-9:30 p.m.
January 2, 2009 Osechi Offerings:
Lunch Served: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.
Dinner Served: 6:30-7:30 p.m. and 8-9:30 p.m.
Please Note:
*Both brunch and dinner will require a reservation.
*Only the set menu ‘OSECHI & SASHIMI’ will be available for dinner.
*Reservations will not be accepted after OSECHI is sold out.
*OSECHI will be available for dine-in only. No take-out orders will be accepted.
*KITANO club and other discount tickets can not be performed.
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As 2009 quickly approaches and guests begin planning their upcoming leisure travel, The Kitano New York is proud to announce that it will continue to offer its special value-added guest packages including the Jazz Night Package, the Family Escape Package and the Serenity in the City Spa Package to make a visit to New York more memorable and enjoyable.
Considered by many as one of the city’s top venues for live jazz performances, The Kitano New York invites jazz connoisseurs to enjoy luxurious accommodations and experience a memorable live performance with its special Jazz Night Package, valid each Friday and Saturday evening. With rates starting at $340 per night, plus tax, guests will enjoy superior accommodations, complimentary access to the Bar Lounge for nightly performances ($15 food & beverage charge not included), breakfast for two at The Garden Café, a late check out at 1 p.m. and a complimentary jazz CD, while supplies last.
 New York also provides families with an adventure of a lifetime. The Kitano New York is now inviting families to experience all that the city has to offer with its Family Weekend Package, available each weekend for rates starting at $340 per night, plus tax. This cost saving package features complimentary breakfast in The Garden Café, cookies and milk delivered to the kids, a keepsake rubber duck, late check-out at 1 p.m., and no extra fees for a third person or extra bed.
For a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, The Kitano New York offers the Serenity in the City spa package. This offer features full or half-day spa services, and is valid Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with rates starting at $330 per person, per night. The special Serenity in the City package includes deluxe accommodations, a healthful welcome basket filled with fruit and Evian water for two, complimentary pass to New York Sports Club, a late check out and the option to choose from either a half-day or full-day course spa treatments, which include offerings such as a body massage, facial and sauna time.
For more information or to book these packages, call 1-800-548-2666 or log onto www.kitano.com.
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The Kitano New York is proud to offer a Small Business Corporate Rate Program for 2009, allowing small to mid-sized organizations to enjoy the cost-saving benefits of discounted room rates that is often reserved only for large companies. With this offer, businesses can reserve from 20 to 100 rooms to be used throughout the year and receive up to a 30 percent savings off the standard room rate (some blackout dates apply). Room rates with this program range depending on dates and room category. The program also includes complimentary Internet access and a pass to any New York Sports Club for guests’ use during each of their stays.
All reservations used in conjunction with the Small Business Corporate Net Rate must be made directly with the hotel and are based upon availability. To set up a Small Business Corporate Rate agreement, allowing guests to obtain these special rates for 2009, contact The Kitano New York at (800) KITANO NY or (212) 885-7000.
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The Boutique at The Kitano New York, which specializes in handcrafted items by European and Asian artists, is an ideal place to find unique holiday gifts for everyone on your list. New gift items for the 2008-2009 holiday season include New York City landmark holiday ornaments priced at $38.50 each, seasonal candles holders available for $20 each and much more.
In addition to specialty seasonal items, The Boutique is now proud to feature an array of hand-crafted Kitano Jewelry Collection created by designer Kiyoko Schmatzhagen. Items include earrings, bracelets and necklaces created with a variety of semi-precious stones. Jewelry prices range from $84 to $168, depending on selection.
The gift shop is located just off the lobby entrance and is open from Tuesday - Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information, call (212) 885-7130.
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