Ravel Hotel's Penthouse808 Appoints Jeff Kreisel As Its New Executive Chef

Penthouse808, the Ravel Hotel's 175-seat rooftop restaurant, bar, and lounge in Long Island City, Queens, is reintroducing its Asian fusion menu, with original dishes by new Executive Chef Jeff Kreisel. Also Executive Chef at Hotel Chantelle's rooftop restaurant on the Lower East Side, Kreisel brings his French technique and downtown sensibility to one of the first-and-only boutique a la carte dining destinations in Long Island City.

Penthouse808's menu reinterprets Asian fusion classics using fresh, unique and locally raised-and-grown ingredients. Kreisel fuses traditional European preparation and modern metropolitan flair, as in his extensive use of the Szechuan peppercorn, which he toasts whole to lend a unique citrus flavor to his dishes.

"We're confident that this is exactly what the neighborhood needs," said Ravi Patel, owner of the Ravel. Jeff 's unique dishes and culinary style will help generate more interest in Long Island City as a dining destination."

Kreisel's previous experience includes chef de cuisine at Porter House New York, sous chef at Maloney & Porcelli and Mercadito, where he was the restaurant's first chef. He also opened Mercadito Grove. High-profile celebrities, including Michael Myers, John Legend, Whitney Port, Parker Posey and Stacy Kiebler, have also flocked to Hotel Chantelle to sample Kreisel's fare.

"Asian fusion is something I've always wanted to pursue," said Kreisel. "I predict that the innovative dishes we're doing will jump start a culinary movement in the neighborhood. I'm excited to share my culinary style with Long Island City, local, national and international diners who visit the Ravel Hotel."

Many of the standouts from the new menu make use of fresh seafood -- the chef's trademark. The Skyline Sushi Roll, Kreisel's tribute to the sweeping views of New York City as seen from the Ravel rooftop, is served on a large, custom-made ceramic plate emblazoned with a series of skyscraper silhouettes. Kreisel's Sunset Tower, also inspired by the hotel's breathtaking views, consists of delicately layered shrimp and pineapple slices. Kreisel prepares his wok-charred baby octopus appetizer with water chestnuts and his signature Szechuan peppercorns.

Select Items from Penthouse808's New Menu
The menu is accompanied by a list of assorted wines and nightly cocktail specials such as the Blueberry Mojito and Pineapple Express.

Starters ($6-$14)

- Wok-Charred Baby Octopus: Water Chestnuts & Szechuan Peppercorns
- Lemongrass Mussels: Coconut Milk, Kaffir Lime & Green Chiles
- Coconut Crab Cake: Celery Root & Mango Slaw, Pomegranate Glaze

Salads ($7-$8):

- Spicy Kani Salad: Julienne Cucumber, Mango, & Spicy Mayo
Specialty Sushi Rolls ($14-$16):
- Skyline Roll: Honjake Salmon, Cucumber, Mango, & Avocado - Topped with Spicy Tuna, Shrimp, Passion Fruit Aioli, & Spicy Sesame Aioli

Entrees ($14-$26):

- Pan Roasted Red Snapper: Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Thai Green Curry & Fried Yam Nest
- Samurai Burger: Teriyaki BBQ, Grilled Scallions, Samurai Fries & Pickled Vegetables
- Miso-Glazed French Cut Chicken Breast: Bourbon Yams & Fried Vidalia Onions

Sides ($6):

- Shiitake & Scallion Fried Rice
- Bourbon Yams
- Samurai Fries
- Sauteed Baby Bok Choy

Penthouse808's 6,000 square foot heated rooftop-featuring an ultra-modern retractable roof-offers guests stunning views of the Queensboro Bridge year-round rain or shine. Opened in 2009 by Ravi Patel, the Ravel Hotel, which offers spacious rooms and full amenity services, has been a home to the rooftop restaurant since its inception. Penthouse808, with its sleek, trendy ambiance and full bar and dinner menu, attracts celebrities, in