Xai Xai Wine bar was suggested to me by an acquaintance who used to work at an excellant restaurant in the city. So one afternoon, I just walked in and introduced myself to the owner. Surprise! Tania Hira is another Indian woman in the wine biz and truly there really aren't many of us. Since that meeting it has been difficult to contain myself from visiting -I try to go there and sample a different South African wine at least once a month.
The bar was actually founded on an old Laundromat, called "DING-DONG Cleaners" miraculously transformed by Tania's boyfriend and business partner Brett Curtin, into an African bush inspired wine-bar, a home for South African Wines in New York City. The Name Xai Xai itself is a reference to a small beach town in Mozambique. The decor is wild and very sub tropical with huge wooden pillars, some African artefacts and a small selection of excellently prepared tasting plates which compliment the wine list wonderfully. Yes, you will bump into quite a few South Africans every time you make your way here. Save water, drink Champagne by South African winemaker Graham Beck!
365 W 51ST St
New York, NY 10019
tel: (212) 541-9241
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