Restaurant Spotlight

KINARI BISTRO/KARMA [victorville]

Where in the H.D. can you take a date to enjoy a delicious gourmet Thai or Italian meal, attend a wedding reception, enjoy a sporting event, attend a Quinceñiera celebration, tip your hat to the memory of a friend, dance the night away, or host a banquet for your favorite cause…all in one place? Well, that would be at the innovative Kinari Bistro on Cottonwood in Victorville. Kinari Bistro, along with Karma, the nightclub linked to it, is owned by Ron and Gwen Mather. Ron’s dynamic son, Bobby, more than capably runs the show at both venues. Kinari originally opened in 2004, but Ron took the helm in November 2006, updating the menu, the ambiance, and the entire vibe.

Upscale, yet welcoming, fun, yet classy, Kinari Bistro is a place you can comfortably take your entire family for dinner, and it’s definitely the spot to hit if you want to impress a date. While Ron initially invested in a quiet and traditional Asian themed restaurant, he had a vision of something much, much more, so he gradually and tastefully revamped the restaurant, bar, and atmosphere, while bringing versatility and quality to the menu at very reasonable prices.

With esteemed Italian Chef, Claudio Pagano, and highly skilled Thai Chef, Oui, in the kitchen, Kinari offers the consummate expertise of both culinary artists to provide guests with some of the freshest, most versatile dishes in the High Desert. From the very popular Thai Lettuce Wraps, Pad Thai Noodles and Crispy Orange Peel Shrimp that Chef Oui creates to the delectable Farfalle Fiorentina, Seabass, and Filet Mignon Medallions in Marsala wine sauce that Chef Claudio Pagano crafts, there is something to please every palate, including gourmet burgers, if that’s what suits your fancy. Ron purchases only the freshest produce, seafood, and meat, for what he jokingly calls his “Titalian” menu, so nothing graces the kitchen, or his guests’ plates, that has been frozen or prepackaged. And the desserts….oh my! Those who have indulged in the scrumptious Tirimasu or the “to die for” Napoleon, among other tempting delicacies, sometimes find themselves making a special trip to Kinari to purchase the desserts by the platter.

And, if you’ve treated yourself to a delicious dinner at Kinari, they’ll waive the $10.00 cover charged on club nights at Karma. Such a deal on date night can make things a little easier on the pocketbook. If you have a special event that you’d like to celebrate, call Kinari, and they’ll work with you to create a special menu of your choice and decorate to your specifications. You can even bring in your own cake, if you’d like, with no hassle.

If it’s a large party you’re planning, the expansiveness of Karma is a perfect place to host festivities, banquets, and charity events, and catering by Kinari is provided. Karma is a closely monitored “all ages” nightclub, so visitors need not worry about their underage company drinking, as Ron enforces a “no tolerance” policy to protect his guests. This dedication to safety also holds true when Karma hosts concerts for touring bands, such as Rehab, Pepper, The Addicts, Ying Yang Twins, and musicians such as Lee Rocker, among many others of various genres, so that all guests can enjoy a safe time, while having a great time.

So, if you haven’t paid Kinari a visit in awhile, you should do yourself a favor and stop by to see what’s new. You’ll probably be in for a very pleasant surprise, and you just may find yourself addicted to the entire Kinari/Karma experience.—Stephanie Keyes

Back to Restaurant Spotlights

KINARI BISTRO/KARMA
12152 Cottonwood, Victorville
(760) 955-1500