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HAKUBAI RESTAURANT INTRODUCES AGE-OLD CULINARY PHILOSOPHY TO PREVENT DISEASE AND SLOW AGING
Recently, there has been a campaign in the U.S. to incorporate naturally grown products into daily diets as research has proven the health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and building a health heart. In fact, the President and First Lady have taken notice by expanding the White House Garden and using the produce in daily cooking. However, this is an age-old concept for the Japanese, who for thousands of years have incorporated local, natural and seasonal ingredients into their diets to take advantage of the health benefits. The Kitano New York’s Hakubai Restaurant has recently introduced a health-focused lunch and dinner menu, Kenbi, rich in minerals and nutrients and known to prevent degenerative diseases and slow down the natural aging process.
The menu, created by Hakubai’s Executive Chef Yukihiro Sato, features classic Japanese ingredients known to promote health and beauty both internally and externally. Several key healthful Kenbi menu items include miso, which is a good source of B12, zinc and magnesium, tofu, which is also featured, can lower cholesterol levels and serves as an excellent source of protein and iron and Japanese mushrooms, which are an excellent source of potassium and reduces blood pressure and is heart healthy. The primary appetizer selection features foods rich in mineral and irons, while the second appetizer promotes healthy skin, increases blood circulation, collagen and levels of DHA, an omega-3 fat that can prevent heart attack and dementia. The main entrée is rich in various nutrient supplements and the dessert is a healthy digestion with Vitamin C.
Hakubai Restaurant’s Kenbi, Lunch, which will be offered each day from 11:45 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., will feature a primary appetizer of Edamame Tofu, Lotus Root Cake with Mushroom Sauce & Scallions, Deep-Fried Koya Tofu wrapped in Nori Seaweed, Simmerred Hijiki, Carrots, Konjac & Fried Tofu, White Fish with Jellied Fish Broth and Potato Ohitashi with Fried Garlic. The second appetizers is comprised of Root Vegetable Soup, Vegetables, Soup made from Mackerel & Chicken and Tuna & Avocado Sashimi. The main course features a Soba Noodle Salad with Organic Vegetables and Organic Yogurt with Fruit and Gelatin is served for dessert.
Guest can also enjoy the Kenbi Dinner each day from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. The appetizer and second appetizer will be the same as the lunch menu. For the main course, guests will enjoy Five Grain Rice topped with Sesame Salt, Simmered Burdock, Carrot & Kelp, Grilled Chilean Sea Bass served with Ponzu Sacue and Marinated Yam Potatoes in Miso Paste. Organic Yogurt with Fruit and Gelatin is the dinner’s dessert selection.
Kenbi Lunch |
Kenbi Dinner |
Hakubai’s Kenbi Lunch is priced at $39 per person (orders must be placed by 2 p.m.), and the Kenbi Dinner menu is priced at $55 per person (orders must be placed by 9 p.m.). Reservations can be made by calling (212) 885-7111.
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Looking for a quick, affordable and delicious lunch locale, or perhaps a cozy Sunday dinner in the heart of Murray Hill, the Kitano New York’s Garden Café now provides convenient and affordable options. The Quick Fire Lunch is available Monday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m. and the Sunday Suppers at the Bar Lounge are available each Sunday evening from 5-10 p.m.
Priced at just $21 per person, both the Quick Fire Lunch and the Sunday Supper feature a two-course menu offering a choice from a selection appetizers and main courses (coffee and tea can be added for $2). The pre-fixe menus will change weekly to feature the freshest seasonal ingredients. Recent appetizer selections have included Sliced Heirloom Tomatoes with shallots, sea salt and extra virgin olive oil and Fava Bean Salad with shaved fennel, pears and pecorino cheeses. Main dishes have included Pan Roasted Sea Bass with tomatillo- jalapeño salsa, Berkshire Pork Picata with lemon-caper sauce and parsley and Risotto with ramps, asparagus and shiitake.
For more information or dining reservations, call (212) 885-7123.
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Kitano New York invites guests to enjoy a truly unique cultural and hospitality experience with its Tatami Suite. As the hotel serves as New York’s first and only Japanese-owned hotel, it is home to the city’s only traditional $1 million Japanese-style guest suite. Authentic furnishings, appointments and in-room service steeped in tradition transports guests to Japan.
Tatami Suite |
Tatami Living Room |
As guests enter The Kitano New York’s Tatami Suite, they will first notice the distinct aroma of the tatami mats. This earthy aroma is thought to calm and sooth the soul in Japanese culture. The 805 square-feet suite offers a sleeping quarter with two twin beds, which can be replaced with traditional futons if the guests prefer. The sleeping quarter is connected to an authentic tea pantry. This area can be easily converted into an authentic tea ceremony room with access to the pantry. The suite also features a spacious common area that measures eight tatami mats (a standard unit of measurement in Japan) as well as a traditional Japanese bathroom in which a large tub for soaking and a separate shower for bathing are available.
The most significant aspect of Kitano New York’s suite is the tatami matting that lines the floor, which symbolizes a higher class level in the Japanese culture. The mats are constructed with woven rush plant on the surface and rice straw inside-two common goods that are grown abundantly throughout the country. In addition to signifying class level, tatami mats are also commonly used in Japan to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer they also act as a cooling agents in the hot and damp climate. Typically, the mats last for approximately four years; however, once worn out, they can easily be replaced without changing the rush underneath.
For more information or to reserve the Tatami Suite, visit www.kitano.com or call (800) KITANO NY or (212) 885-7000.
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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 July 15, where one lucky participant will have the opportunity to win the popular “Just Like Me” American Girl Doll, which is currently on display in the hotel’s lobby. The “Just Like Me” encourages every girl to share her story with the world. Girls can find a doll to match their unique spirit and look. Participants do not have to be a guest of The Kitano New York to enter the drawing. On April 15, Lorena Aubert, a native Australian who now resides in Manhattan, was the lucky winner of The Kitano New York’s spring 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 holiday and other 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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As summer travel kicks into high-gear, The Kitano New York is proud to offer special value-added guest packages available throughout the year 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 this package, 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 authentic New York experience. 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. 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, a 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.
For more information or to book these packages, call 1-800-548-2666 or log onto www.kitano.com.
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KITANO NEW YORK TRIVIA
Question: What is the historic significance of the Landmark Townhouse that is home to The Kitano New York’s Garden Café and two of the hotel’s townhouse guest suites?
Answer: The Kitano New York is located in one of New York’s highly-regarded neighborhoods, Murray Hill, which was once home to the wealthiest of New York Society, including J.P. Morgan, the Astors, and the Lunts. Personalities and celebrities have called Murray Hill home. They include Katherine Hepburn and author E.B. White. The neighborhood is known for its architecture styles ranging from Renaissance and Romanesque Revival to Dutch Colonial and Beaux Arts. In 2002, The New York’s Landmark Preservation Commission created the Murray Historic District to grant historic designation to the historic landmark buildings.
The Kitano New York acquired the historic Murray Hill brownstone adjacent to the hotel in 1995. The brownstone was built in 1896. The hotel connected its main building to the brownstone in 1995 during a $55 million renovation. Fully integrated into the hotel, the townhouse has its original façade, which has been painstakingly restored. Inside are three luxurious one-bedroom Townhouse Suites as well as the hotel’s 55-seat Garden Café.
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Upcoming Events & Exhibitions:
Jazz at The Kitano New York: Every Wednesday through Saturday night The Kitano offers two sets of live jazz performances at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Upcoming summer performers include the Dado Moroni Trio featuring Alvin Queen on June 19 & 20.
Circle-Line City Cruise: Cruise the New York waterways and experience some of the city’s most breathtaking sites. Now through September 7.
Shakespeare in the Park Twelfth Night Performance: Shakespeare in the Park Twelfth Night Performance: June 10-July 12 in Central Park. Performances held most Tuesdays through Sundays
Japan Day: Sunday, May 31 in New York’s Central Park
Museum Mile Festival: Tuesday, June 9 (5th Avenue between 82nd to 105th Streets)
Big Apple BBQ Block Party: June 13-14, 2009
Re-opening the Statue of Liberty’s Crown to the public: Saturday, July 4
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A longstanding New York tradition of summer rooftop relaxation has gone upscale as The Kitano New York’s popular barbecue packages return this season. With its breathtaking backdrop of the Empire State Building, MetLife and Chrysler buildings and the historic Murray Hill area of New York, The Kitano New York’s outdoor rooftop space offers one of the most sought after views in the city. From Memorial Day, May 25, through Labor Day, September 7, guests can choose from two unique packages. The barbecue package rates begin at $75 per person, with a minimum of 25 guests, and include food and beverage costs for the three-hour event.
For more information including a complete menu for Rooftop Summer Barbecue packages, please contact Thanya Phanpinyo at 212-885-7017 or email phanpinyo@kitano.com. Reservations are limited and events should be booked early as they often sell out.
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The Kitano New York is proud to continue to offer its unique Small Business Corporate Rate Program throughout the year, allowing small to mid-sized organizations to enjoy the cost-saving benefits of discounted room rates that are often reserved only for large companies. With this offer, businesses can reserve as few as 25 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 Kitano New York’s Bar Lounge is now a part of the social media phenomenon with the recent launch of its new Facebook page! Fans of the Kitano New York’s jazz program can now log on to find additional information on the upcoming performance line-up and the acts, connect with other jazz supporters and even become a “fan” of the site on Facebook. To become a fan, log onto www.Facebook.com and search for “Jazz at The Kitano New York.”
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With its unique Kaiseki cuisine, The Kitano New York’s Michelin-rated Hakubai Restaurant remains one of the city’s most authentic and sought after Japanese dining experiences. On Friday, July 24, Hakubai’s Executive Chef Yukihiro Sato has once again been invited to showcase the restaurant’s distinctive cuisine during the Macy’s at Herald Square’s Chef Demonstration series. Chef Sato will present a variety of summer dishes that are thought to promote health and beauty. Attendees can observe the unique techniques of Japanese cooking, ask questions to gain a better sense of preparation, take home recipes and sample the cuisine.
Hakubai serves traditional Japanese favorites at lunch, and during dinner hours, the distinctive Kaiseki cuisine is served. Hakubai is open daily from 11:45 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. for lunch and from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. for dinner. Reservations can be made by calling (212) 885-7111.
We hope that you will join us for the Macy’s Chef Demonstration on July 24 at 2 p.m.
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The Kitano New York’s tranquil Garden Café is continuing its Wine Garden program with a seasonal spring and summer menu, available Monday-Friday this summer from 2:30-5 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m. The unique menu features wines, international beers and savory appetizers all for $8 each. The number eight is considered lucky in the Japanese culture because it portrays the idea of growing prosperous. No reservations are needed for the Wine Garden.
The drink selection is composed of both international and domestic wine labels such as the Cava Brut ‘NV from Montsarra, a 2007 Domaiines C.C. ‘Corey Creek’ Rose from North Fork, Long Island and a 2007 Rudi Wiest ‘Rhein River” Riesling from Germany. Beer selections include Sapporo Reserve, Sam Smith Organic Ale, Kirin and more. In addition to an expansive wine and beer selection, the Wine Garden menu will also feature a variety of savory appetizers, all priced at $8 each. Dishes include a Charcuterie, White Bean Hummus, Ricotta Meatballs and more.
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Throughout 2009, The Kitano New York has been proud to serve as a sponsor for two of the city’s leading film events including the Tribeca Film Festival, on April 22-May 3, and the New York Asian Film Festival, to be held on June 19-July 5.
During the Tribeca Film Festival, one of the city’s most popular spring events, The Kitano New York served as the premiere hotel sponsor for the Japanese directors for the films Still Walking and Departures. Founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 after the attacks of September 11, the film festival was created to spur economic and cultural revitalization in lower Manhattan through an annual celebration of film, music and culture. Now in its 8th year, the festival has attracted more than 2 million attendees world-wide and generated more than $425 million in economic activity for the city.
In addition, The Kitano New York will also serve as the official hotel sponsor of the 8th Annual Asian Film
Festival. Subway Cinema’s New York Asian Film Festival is the country’s leading showcase for Asian cinema. Each year, the festival features more than 40 of the most creative, entertaining and original films from countries including Hong Kong, India, Japan, Indonesia, Korea and more.
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