AMAZING Birthday Meal at Xixa!

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