Had
an AMAZING birthday meal at Xixa, the new restaurant from the chef/owners of
Traif (located a couple doors down). I
was really looking forward to Xixa since Traif is my favorite restaurant, and
I’m really into small plates right since it gives you a chance to try more of
the menu. The food at Xixa is very much
in line with Traif’s theme of global comfort food though it’s a bit more
Mexican-inspired.
Amuse
Bouche: String beans stuffed with cheese and chilies
Guacamole
“Nam Prik Num” – Avocado, Roasted Tomato, Poblano, Puffed Rice, Jicama, Carrot,
etc: I love guacamole and I thought this was really great, though I do wish
there was a bit of heat to it
Fried Brussels Sprouts, Pork Belly Chicarones, Currants, Sunflower Seeds, Sweet-Spicy Vin: Brussels sprouts are my favorite vegetable so I’ve always ordered it whenever I see it on the menu – the Sprouts were cooked perfectly and all the components complemented each other
Duck
Lettuce Wraps, Mushrooms, Spiced Picadillo, Raisins, Peanuts, Roasted Banana:
amazing dish – the duck and roasted banana is soooo good
Scallop
Ceviche, Apple-Mint “Aguachile”, Pistachios, Cucumber, Avocado, Soy: not the
best scallop ceviche I’ve had at Traif but still good in its own right,
especially when you get a perfect bite of all the different components on the
plate
Grilled
Carrots “Elote,” Honey Butter, Lime Crema, Coriander, Feta, Dill: online
reviews rave about this and our server also recommended it as a must order dish
– this was really really good
“Steak
Tacos:” Chilmole Tortillas, Roasted Bone Marrow, Steak Tartare, Pepper
Marmalade: amazing – I love bone marrow and steak tartare, it’s brilliant
serving it together with the pepper marmalade to cut through the richness
Charred
Spring Onions, Yukon Potatoes, Ancho Romesco, White Anchovies, Almonds: I
ordered this because romesco is one of my favorite sauces – great dish
Carnitas:
Crispy Pork Belly & Cheeks, Brussels, Chorizo, Rhubarb,
Pulque-Pasilla-Prune, Carrot Puree: another solid plate, good flavor
combinations
“Tix
N Xic:” Achiote-Grilled Hamachi Collar, Plantain Tortillas, Brussels, Pickled
Onions: interesting take on fish tacos with a slaw of raw Brussels sprouts
Mel
I Mato: Whipped Goat Ricotta, Mango, Kiwi, Grapes, Honey, Pistachios: decent
cheese plate – the ricotta had some spice to it (maybe togarashi?)
Tres
Leches en “Cappuccino”: Chocolates, Almond, Kahlua, Dulce: cool idea to add
Kahlua and foam to tres leches cake – there’s also bits of chocolate and
almonds mixed in – really delicious dessert
Bunuelo
Sundae: Banana & Cajeta Ice Creams, Chocolate, Bunuelo Crumble, Black Sesame
Mousse: this is one of the best desserts I’ve had in a long time – the black
sesame mousse is so so good – I can’t wait to head back so I can order this
just for myself
Petit
Fours: Chocolate with Corn and Curry
I'm as impressed with this meal as I've ever been at Traif - definitely one of my favorite restaurants in NYC.
Xixa
241 South 4 Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211