Chef Angelo Sosa’s Kembara, a stylish Asian street food-inspired restaurant, has opened its doors at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. The vibrant eatery is a tribute to the culinary odysseys of Chef Sosa and his long-time partner and restaurant developer Mark Stone across Asia.
Chef Angelo Sosa–who opened the adored Tía Carmen restaurant at the Phoenix resort just last year–brings more than 25 years of experience to Kembara. The menu celebrates the rich tapestry of Asian street food culture, drawing upon inspiration from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and beyond. Each dish is constructed around Chef Sosa’s concept of a “trinity of flavors” (sweet, sour and salty elements). Standout starters include the Tuna Thai Jewel, a savory twist on the Thai dessert called tub tim krob, and lamb spring rolls, inspired by Indian lamb samosas. Chef Sosa’s chicken khao soi and crab fried rice are among the noodle and rice dishes. Entrees include the black pepper Maine lobster, wagyu beef rendang (a Malaysian comfort food) and Vietnamese-inspired lemongrass pork collar. A variety of flavorful vegetarian dishes are also available at Kembara. For dessert, Vietnamese coffee donuts, tossed in a Vietnamese cinnamon and sugar mixture, and the Thai ice tea shaved ice with Thai iced tea pound cake, Italian meringue and pickled blueberries are not to be missed.
The cocktail menu is equally as stunning, with drinks named after notable Asian and AAPI-centric books. Remains of the Day is a martini made with Roku Gin, Bermutto (a Japanese-made vermouth made from sake), housemade dashi brine and Japanese bitters; The Sympathizer is a whiskey and tea concoction, served from a teapot; and Tales of the Floating World is a delicious twist on an orange creamsicle. The beverage program is rounded out with an impressive sake list highlighting the most important regions, styles and producers across Japan, curated by wine and sake judge, sake ambassador and sommelier Eduardo Dingler.
The outstanding menu is matched by designer Thomas Schoos’ incredible interiors. (Schoos is also responsible for Tía Carmen’s exquisite design.) The space evokes the energy and vibe of Asia’s night market. Hand-blown glass wall sconces, hand-painted murals and neon rope lights are just a few of the standout design elements. Kembara also offers seating in its outdoor garden, a tropical oasis with fire elements and eclectic bamboo settees.
Kembara marks the final phase of JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa’s $80-million resort-wide transformation. For more information, visit kembaradesertridge.com.
5350 E. Marriott Dr.
Phoenix, AZ 85054