Kimpton Expands Dining Options With New Culinary Program
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Kimpton Expands Dining Options With New Culinary Program

Kimpton rolls out a new culinary program that adds secret menus, chef‑led events, and global collaborations.

Kimpton Expands Dining Options With New Culinary Program

Kimpton announced a new culinary program that promises hidden dishes, chef‑run events, and collaborations with food creators around the world. The initiative arrives this summer and is already live at several flagship properties.

Curiosity on the Plate: New Culinary Originals

Kimpton calls the new offerings culinary originals. Each original is a stand‑alone concept that appears only at the property that creates it.

  • Chicago – The Speakeasy Cocktail List – At the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago, the bar staff keep a folded card tucked behind the espresso machine. Guests who ask for the “hidden list” receive a selection of prohibition‑era drinks made with locally sourced bitters. The card changes weekly, so repeat visitors can chase new flavors.

  • London – Pop‑Up with Chef Michele Bennett – The Kimpton Fitzroy London partnered with Michelin‑starred chef Michele Bennett for a three‑night pop‑up in March. The menu featured a reinterpretation of classic British pies, each paired with a single‑origin gin from a London distillery. Tickets sold out in hours, and the event generated a buzz on Instagram under #KimptonOriginals.

  • Tokyo – Ramen Lab – At Kimpton Tokyo, a former ramen‑shop owner runs a nightly ramen bar that experiments with broth bases from miso to pork bone. Diners can watch the chef pull noodles by hand, a visual that turns the meal into a mini‑performance.

  • Miami – Caribbean Tasting Journey – The Kimpton Coral Gables Miami introduced a six‑course tasting menu that travels through the Caribbean, highlighting ingredients from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. Each course arrives with a short note about the island’s food culture, turning dinner into a cultural lesson.

These examples illustrate how the program moves beyond a static hotel menu. The dishes appear only where the property’s team decides to launch them, encouraging guests to explore multiple Kimpton locations.

How to Unlock Secret Menus and Chef Events

Finding a hidden menu does not require a treasure map, but it does need a bit of curiosity:

  1. Ask the concierge or front‑desk staff – A simple “Do you have any hidden dishes tonight?” often triggers a smile and a card.
  2. Check the IHG app – The app now features a “Kimpton Originals” tab that lists active events, dates, and whether a reservation is required.
  3. Follow the property on Instagram or TikTok – Many locations post a cryptic story or a short video that hints at a new collaboration. Look for the hashtag #KimptonOriginals.
  4. Sign up for the IHG One Rewards newsletter – The monthly email highlights upcoming culinary experiences and offers a 10 % points boost for dining at participating Kimpton hotels.
  5. Ask for a “Chef’s Table” – At properties that host chef‑led events, the phrase often unlocks a seat at a communal table where the chef explains each dish.

Using any of these tactics increases the chance of tasting a secret menu without paying extra for a “premium” label.

Lifestyle Dining Showdown: Kimpton vs. Marriott W and Hyatt Thompson

Kimpton’s curiosity model differs sharply from the social‑hub approach of W Hotels (Marriott) and the design‑forward philosophy of Thompson Hotels (Hyatt).

  • Kimpton builds each original around discovery. The goal is for guests to feel they are uncovering something that does not exist elsewhere. The program rewards the traveler who asks questions and follows clues.
  • W Hotels treat the bar and restaurant as a place to see and be seen. Their “W Social” concept centers on high‑energy music, large communal tables, and a menu that leans toward shareable cocktails. The experience is consistent across cities, which helps brand‑loyal guests know what to expect.
  • Thompson Hotels focus on curated design and a menu that reflects the property’s aesthetic. A Thompson in New York might serve a farm‑to‑table tasting menu in a loft‑styled dining room, while a Thompson in Los Angeles offers a surf‑inspired seafood bar. The emphasis is on visual storytelling rather than hidden discoveries.

For a traveler who values novelty over brand familiarity, Kimpton’s approach offers a stronger incentive to book a stay. For guests who prioritize a predictable social scene, W or Thompson may feel safer.

Points, Perks, and the Bottom Line for IHG One Rewards Members

IHG One Rewards members can turn the new dining program into a points‑saving strategy.

  • Fourth‑night‑free award stays let you stretch a 40 000‑point redemption into a five‑night trip, leaving points for dining or spa credits.
  • Unlimited certificate top‑offs mean you can add as many points as needed to a Free Night Certificate. If a Miami pop‑up costs 30 000 points, you simply top off the certificate until it matches.
  • Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio adds flexibility for travelers who collect airline miles.
  • Elite tier benefits such as room upgrades and late checkout free up evening time for a chef‑led dinner.

When you book a Kimpton stay through the IHG app, the “Originals” badge appears next to the property name. Clicking the badge shows the upcoming culinary events and lets you add a dining reservation directly to your itinerary.

Verdict: A Culinary Upgrade Worth the Points

Kimpton’s new program turns the hotel restaurant into a destination in its own right. The secret menus and pop‑ups give food‑focused travelers a reason to choose Kimpton over a traditional chain, and the IHG One Rewards structure makes the experience affordable for points‑savvy guests. The only variable is execution; some properties have already proven the concept, while others are still testing.

Next step: Open the IHG app, filter for “Kimpton Originals,” and book a stay at a property that lists a chef‑led event during your travel dates. The hidden menu will be waiting.

Learn more in our Guide to IHG One Rewards.

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