Elite Event at Xixa

Before this event, I could never have imagined that such thought and originality could go into a menu. Every dish I had was superb. My favorites were the elote and the carrots. Oh my god, the carrots! And the foie gras.
And did I mention the cocktails? How brilliant to freeze cubes with the ingredients and have the drink poured over the cubes at the table. The presentation is beautiful, and I love the variety of flavors I experienced as the ice melted throughout the night.
The amosphere is warm and sophisticated. The concept behind the restaurant and the menu is as impressive as the dishes.
I was blown away by this place and returned a week later to enjoy it again (just as amazing as the first time). This is hands down my favorite restaurant in Brooklyn.

So late with this, sorry.
I’ve been to so many great events it’s hard to write about them w/​o being repetitive. This one was really exceptional. The owners of Traif have done it again.
Want unique ?
Cocktails with flavored ice cubes. Let the ice melt to blend with alcohol and you have an amazing tasting (and strong) cocktail. I enjoyed both the Old Fashioned and Margarita.
What tasty ?
Well I enjoyed everything but the 15hr braised short ribs were fantastic. yes melt in your mouth, succulent (throw your own over used adjective here) I loved it.
The baby carrots with cheese were also excellent.
While still an emphasis on meat, there were a few more options for vegetarians.
Want cool ?
The staff here was friendly and went out of their way to make sure we were taken care of.
Unilocalers like their food and drink and the staff handled it well.
Fantastic job guys, I’ll be back.

Epic event. Xixa pulled out all stops and afforded Unilocalers a veritable tasting menu, along with samples from the wine list, a deconstructed margarita, and aguas frescas. Highlights included:
Mexico-​city style sauteed edamame, arbol chile, lime, toasted garlic
grilled carrots «elote,» honey butter, lime crema, coriander, feta, dill
carnitas of pork belly & cheeks, Fava beans, black trumpets, pasilla-​pulque-​prune
spicy shrimp gorditas, nori-​shiso-​scallion-​crispy rice, black sesame sikil pak
Gouda quesadilla
I loved the quirky décor and am already planning my next visit. Thanks to the owners, the staff, Peter D. and the rest of the Unilocal crew.

The food was tasty and the drinks satisfying. The thai esquites made with corn and cotija cheese was so sweet and delicious there was nothing I can do but to finish the whole thing. The carnitas made with pork belly and cheeks was succulent that I couldn’t even talk to anyone for a few minutes because I just wanted to enjoy my food. Oh and don’t even get me started on the churros, I would have taken the whole plate if I could. Unfortunately I had to share which took a lot of self control on my part.
Of course the drinks hold its own without a doubt. The margarita, shots, and wine just added to an even better experience in Xixa.

If I could name a perfect event, Xixa (pronounces «shik-​sah») would be it! Definitely my fave.
Arriving late, I made sure to find a spot for my crazy heavy school /​work bag and hit the bar. The first drink I had was the margarita, which consisted of three frozen cubes. «What?» was all I could think at first, everyone else had already fallen in love and I was still seeing stars. As they pour the premium tequila on top of the cubes they begin to melt, allowing the drinker to choose how sweet they like their drink — and look very freaking cool doing it!
I made sure to grab a few bites, the ones without avocado (allergy). Everything I had I was in love with. And the churros with berry cream? Can I just make a meal out of that, please? My knees literally weakened.
Next drink I was handed a double shot of wheat-​grass mixed with spirits and flavors, delicious and made instilled in me the illusion of being a health-​nut… Which means I could have more food and more drink to balance that out. I ordered their take on the old fashioned and was not disappointed. In fact, it was one of the best nontraditional old fashioned’s I have ever had! One giant frozen bitters cube with an orange peel and chipotle peppers stuck inside it jutting out just a bit, along with citrus rind on the inside with bourbon poured on top. Spicy, complex, dark and smoky. I shall write love songs to you.
Had I never heard of Traif before, I would swear Heather (owner /​partner) held captive some poor unicorn in the kitchen pumping out magical fairy dust on to every recipe. However, Heather’s reputation precedes her and my taste buds and I were ready.
Definitely returning soon. Thank you Peter, Ruggy, Unilocal,Heather and all my Unilocal besties for a wonderful pre-​game /​pre-​work event!

This was my first Brooklyn Elite event.
I always get a little nervous attending these events because I never know if I’ll be the awkward person standing in the corner. When I got there, I found an empty seat at the bar and turned to the person sitting next to me, Leslie. She was super friendly and with the bar bringing us drinks and the restaurant offering up small bites of a handful of items off their menu, there was no reason to leave. We even had a few social Elites come by and say hi!
As I mentioned in my tip, corn flan was amazing. The drinks were unique as well.
Will come back.
Thank you for organizing, Peter!

This was my first event in Brooklyn, and what a great event it was! The food and drinks were plentiful and absolutely amazing. I can honestly say this was the best food I’ve ever had at a Unilocal event. I didn’t even know what I was eating half the time, but it didn’t matter since all of it was delicious. Highlights included the grilled carrots, corn flan, and fois gras.
It was also great to meet some new people and get a better feel for the area. I’ll definitely be returning here!

Can’t say enough praises about this event! Great food, great drinks, great people, great times.
It was a little hectic at first. People spilling in, not knowing where to stand, whether to sit, and the servers kept getting mobbed every time they came out with a tray. (Seriously Unilocalers, you gotta stop standing right by the bar and kitchen.)
But the staff at Xixa rose up to the challenge and delivered. They kept cranking out beautiful, tasty bites and cool-​looking drinks and went out of their way to make sure everyone was getting served and no one was neglected. I had a little spot at the bar with old and new Unilocal friends and eventually we got to taste mostly everything. We were even getting full because plates kept coming out!
And oh my, the food was delish! So many things. The shrimp ceviche with hearts of palm, carrots in a sweet sauce, fried frog legs, a mini taco, pork belly cubes, lamb meatballs, nachos, corn and tom yum soup, something foie gras (absolutely delicious), rice and beans, churros! And even with that long list I know I left things out. I’m not even sure if I can pick favorites, though the foie gras is a standout. The drinks were fun too. Different kinds of shooters (had a green apple one and a strawberry one) and a deconstructed margarita! Plus, wine and beer.
Definitely one of my favorite events so far. Thanks Xixa, Peter D. and Unilocal crew for putting together this event!

As far as Elite events go, this was by far my favorite. Why? They did not scrimp on the food and drinks. Best part, everything that came out was amazing. Some of the items were things that I’ve never tried before, like the uni, frog legs, and fois gras. The uni combined with bone narrow was really good. As for the frog legs… They looked and smelled like perfectly friend mini chicken legs but I just could not get past what they were. Next time frog legs. Next time. The fois gras was very rich. I was not a fan of the texture, but I still enjoyed it… somewhat.
There were some familiar dishes like delicious pork belly and cheek and the short rib. There was a shrimp thing, some chips and cheesy dip, and so many more. I was seriously blown away by how much quality, deliciousness was being past around.
Drinks were also flowing. Unfortunately for me, I just came from another venue where a friend and I shared a pitcher of sangria… So I had to limit what I consumed at Xixi. Going into work hungover on a Tuesday is my definition of hell. The deconstructed margarita looked amazing and smelled even better but I had to say «no thanks». They did have a red wine that was pretty good and the tequila shot with cucumber was also good. I figured the veggie would cancel out the alcohol, right? I went to work just fine the next day, so I guess it worked out for me.
The service was great. The bartenders and others were working hard getting us drinks and passing out the goodies. They were friendly and approachable.
Shouts to Peter D and crew for an AMAZING event. I can’t wait to return to Xixa to try some more of their menu.

Peter, Heather and Jason,
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for such an amazing event this past monday. I can honestly say I have never had more fun, better drinks or a creative menu than I had with you. When I said «I WILL be back» I 100% meant that my husband and I will be back next week. I cannot wait to have more of your amazing honey mustard dipped carrots, fried homini, or specialty guac. Not to mention the deconstructed margs or the delicious cucumber specialty drink. … I could go on. My mouth is watering just thinking about the lamb dish (and I know my husband’s is watering over the foie gras).
Never have I left an event as stuffed and happy as I did Xixa. We were so blessed to be served by such knowledgeable, caring and kind people, too. We were treated like kings and queens and, I’m sure I speak for everyone in attendance, we cannot thank you enough for your hospitality.
I am excited and eager to get back to your quaint, exotic Mex meets the East restaurant on a side street in Brooklyn. What an amazing story and I thank you for sharing it with us.

When Peter D. Tells you that he’s bringing you to his one of his favorite restaurants in Williamsburg, you know the big guns are coming out. No doubt about it, Xixa has easily become No. 1 on so many Unilocalers’ list this evening for one of the top restaurants in Williamsburg.
THE GOOD: There was SO MUCH food served at this event that I’m sure almost everything on the menu was brought out. First victim: rice cakes, carrots and cabbage with a large portion of guacamole. I love my guac limey and creamy, this was perfect for my taste palette. I could practically eat the guac by itself. Lamb balls topped with cheese floated around next. I’m not usually fond of lamb but I’m sure a lot of preparation went into these minced lamb balls. You could taste each and every ingredient used and they worked in perfect harmony to create a smörgåsbord of flavor that exploded in your mouth leaving you wanting more. Just one wouldn’t be enough.
Mini tuna tatare taco, carne asada, rice and beans (GIGANTIC BEANS), corn/​tom yum soup, pork belly and cheek and my favorite for the evening; smoked cheese and chips with salsa. If there is one thing I love, it’s CHEESE and this dish hit the spot. Melted, smoked, ooey-​gooey cheese, it was literally a cheesy orgasm all over my mouth.
THE BAD: Once I saw that old-​fashioned mezcal and the flavors of the cubes blending, the vapor rising in the glass, it immediately awakened my urge to drink (as if I really need a reason). I never thought an old-​fashioned with tequila would taste so delightful. Jackie, I have betrayed you this evening, will you ever forgive me?
THE UGLY: I’ll be the first to admit it. I practically devoured half of the smoked cheese and chips because it was sitting there so lonely and I felt a sense of longing that it belonged in someone’s mouth. Guilty as charged. Let’s face it, you wouldn’t keep a voluptuous lady waiting, would you?
Heather and her partner in crime have definitely created something wondrous and unique with this establishment. I’m definitely going to have to trek to the opposite side of Brooklyn to try Xixa again (even though the whole menu was served).
By far THE BEST event to hit Brooklyn thus far. I cannot express my gratitude to Peter D. For what a treasure he has bestowed upon us this evening. What a mind-​blowing and memorable event. :-)
Brooklyn knows how to THROW IT UP!!!

Coming from the same people that have brought us the amazing spot known as Traif I would expect nothing less than a stellar dining and drinking experience. Dare I say that Xixa did not disappoint on any level and was superb on all counts. Traif will get a run for it’s money with this place!
The amount of food and drink they served us last night was borderline absurd! One delicious bit after another was placed in front of our drooling mouths, along with specialty house cocktails and flavorful wines to wash it down with. It was all so ridonkulous! The menu is eclectic, unique, and will change it’s offerings to fit in some new bites.
Good Lawd those pork belly cheek squares were crazy delish! Holy Cow — BONE MARROW! Lamby Meatballs yee-​haw! Those braised short ribs were divine. They even had Fried Frogs Legs here. Tequila shooters. Seasoned Edamame. Guacamole. Foie Gras. Beer. Tuna Tacos. Rice & Beans. I just know I am forgetting a lot of what came around — the was so much! OMG — house made churros dipped in passion fruit custard to end the evening!
Pretty Meaty Petey, Unilocal,Ruggy, everyone there who made this one happen — Thanks!!! I will definitely go back here for dinner. The staff at Xixa were terrific and kept everyone happy. Great mix of Unilocal peeps here tonight. Just phenomenal and Xixa deserves to be a destination dining spot in Brooklyn. No wonder Pete D is so in love with this place. It’s no joke!
I just have to say this was one of the most awesome Unilocal dining events I have been to in Brooklyn. Also, it’s a few blocks from Duff’s which I hit up for a beer before jumping back on the train home. So much win!

The name Traif evokes in me memories of one of the best Elite events I have ever attended. That was back in June 2010, but the memory is still very much vivid in my mind. As soon as Peter announced the event at Xixa, I knew I HAD to be there.
Jason Marcus and Heather Heuser, the two partners with a global vision behind Traif and Xixa, advertise their most recent joint as a Mexican fusion restaurant that is truly «globally inspired but grounded by the flavors». That’s basically all you need to know, because for sure taste is king at Xixa, and the dishes are surprisingly inventive and yet unpretentious. How many places greet you with fried frog legs in coconut crust? How about uni and bone marrow with plantain chips? Or foie gras «al pastor» with roasted pineapple, torrejas, and ancho honey?
If the albondigas (roasted lamb meatballs) were good, but the 18 hour grilled short rib and the carnitas of pork belly and cheeks were nothing short of spectacular. There was even some room for dessert, in the form of salty Churros with passionfruit glaze.
Being the designated driver, I did not have the opportunity to try the tequila and mexcal drinks, but the same ingenuity that Jason Marcus infuses in his dishes also continues in the glasses, where some of the cocktail ingredients (i.e. bitters, juices, etc…) are presented in solid form as ice cubes that melt progressively as you sip your drink. The more you wait, the better it tastes.
In short, thanks to Peter, Ruggy, Marcus, and Heather for another Elite event to remember. And shout outs to all my Unilocal friends from Brooklyn and beyond, who always make a Brooklyn Elite event something to look forward to.

This was definitely hands down the best Unilocal food and possibly Mexican fusion food that I’ve had in my life. Man, this puts Fonda to shame and I’m a huge fan of the place. But different style completely and I get it. I usually don’t come to Unilocal Events alone and I usually don’t come entirely sober so this was an eye-​awakening experience but actually not so bad. I may have shredded about 4 or 5 napkins but I met some interesting folks and talked to a few of the regular Unilocalers that are always a hoot and a half.
The braised short rib was definitely the best thing closely followed by the pork cheeks and belly confit and that freaking foie gras that just fell apart everywhere. Holy hell. Oh, and those lamb meatballs! That was decadence. It almost tasted like a Swedish meatball submerged in tomato sauce with cheese and I approve. It all also perfectly was accompanied with that Old Fashioned with what I initially thought was with vodka but tequila after sniffing it a good while. I’m not sure how I feel about this cocktail. I like it. The idea of slow melting ice cubes is creative. I kind of like traditional bourbon or whiskey I think though even though I’m a newly immerging fan of bourbon.
I love the interior. The bathrooms were kind of amusing in a way being unisex. *Guy walks into bathroom* «Oh shit, I’m sorry!» «It’s okay.. .. there are two stalls.…» Or you can stand there awkwardly trying to find where the hell the garbage bin is to throw out your paper towel. Where is it?! lol.
Oh, those salty churros are great. I don’t like donuts or churros very much but these are like sex with that passion fruit drizzle all over the place. I’ve never had a better churro until last night. I’m such a fan of this place that I will inevitably be back even though I truly hate Williamsburg. Thanks Peter D. and Ruggy for an awesome night!

Awesome place, great event!
Xixa welcomed us at the door, and I mean it! We were all greeted, fed, made feel warm and fuzzy with drinks. Best. Crew. Ever.
But, once again, I cannot comment on drinks other than sip of wine (which was good!), being part of driving culture — all I can say that food was amazing! From frog legs to pork squares (pork belly was it?) to meatballs to bone marrow. Wait. Did i say… Yes. Bone marrow. Heaven. In Xixa.
Was a blast meeting all you crazies again, you know who you are. Happy to make new friends, too — was great Unilocaling/​yapping with you all!
Thank you, Peter. And Ruggy. And Xixa crew.
Brooooooklyyyyyyn!!!

Unilocal! Elite events are usually great, but this one was exceptional. The combination of the staff, the food, the drinks and the space really were just superb. Heather was so hospitable. The staff were infinitely patient and knowledgable about the wine and the food, were sure to explain teh signature cocktails they passed around (can we talk about the mescal ice-​cube old fashioned because that was killer)
I’m pretty sure they ran the entire menu by us: tuna tacos, tostones with sea urchin and bone marrow, frog legs, posole, rice and beans, fondita, meatballs, THE BEST CARROTS EVER, and holy crap the carnitas. Seriously it didn’t stop and everything was amazing.
Thanks so much for having us in your space and showing us a great time. I can’t wait to come back for a meal with friends.

Wow. The food here was simply amazing.
Best food I have had at a Unilocal event … by far.
Most memorable items. hrmmm…
–The pork belly and pork cheek squares they just SCREAMED of pork when you bite into them. SOOO good.
–the guacamole… out of this world! LOved it on the rice crackers.
–The mozzarella dish that came with a shot of sauce, a spicy tomato garnish and chips. This dish had me droooling.
— and the lamb meatballs… were just incredible!!!
Onto the drinks!
Such good tequilla. I LOVE TEQUILLA! MEZCALLLLLL
amazing stuff
Old fashioned with tequila instead of whisky. unheard of!
The cubes are the heart of the drink. Frozen with a mix of flavors that slowly progress as the ice melts. Starting you off with a nice strong kick and then giving you the warm embrace of the flavors inside the cube. Both the Old fashioned an the Margarita really impressed me with both presentation and style.
The staff did an amazing job here!!! I am duly impressed with this event. And I left wanting more!
Thank you peter D for sharing one of your favorite places with us!!!

When you get an email confirmation from Peter D. and it mentions nothing of eating something before hand, you are in for a treat! Or rather treats. (I mean there will be a lot of food)
The staff was just phenomenal. They were hustling back and forth, trying to spread the amazing food, superb drinks and their love amongst each individual. Don’t try standing by the bar or by the kitchen, these people were on point. Everyone left full and satisfied.
Having eaten at Xixa before I knew I was in for something special. I show up and am immediately greeted with shots, as in more than one. Don’t mind if I do. What’s that, tuna tacos? Yes please. I’ve had the fried legs at Traif before so I made sure to grab one of those bad boys. Imagine a piece of heaven and then imagine if they fried it. That’s what those frog legs tasted like. Bone Marrow! Two elite events in a row, nice!
I was then walking around and saying hello to everyone when I noticed people were backing away in fear of something. It was the margarita cocktail. Everyone was a bit confused at first and they weren’t interested. You don’t have to twist my arm to try some alcohol. Unless I am passed out from drinking. Then you will need to twist my arm to wake me up so I can drink, but I probably shouldn’t be drinking. Jerk, trying to get me sick!!! Back to the margarita. The flavored ice cubes melt with the liquor, creating and amazingly cool (that’s a pun) concoction. Really ingenious and tasty.
Made my way to the back where I sat with Ron, Phil and Jollie. We parked there and indulged ourselves with whatever came out. Sweet and sour lamb meatballs. Foie Gras. Pork Belly. Beer. It was quite pleasant. Then came the Old Fashioned. Similar to the margarita, it had one huge ice cube which had to melt. Ron and I both some of it. Sharing is caring, folks. Not familiar with having Old Fashioned’s without whiskey but I enjoyed it. I like cocktails with a spicy kick.
Eventually his Grace Peter D came over to greet us, but that jerk Thomas M came over and ruined everything. What a dorkface!
Went back to the front, indulging in wine and beer. I had a nice shot of tequila with a wasabi chaser, interesting. I had one of the short ribs which were my favorite thing of the night. The rice and beans were great. The shrimp were tasty.
To close out the evening was one of my favorite items from my first dining experience at Xixa, salty churros. It’s like they knew the way to my heart was with fried dough. If you ever come here get the churros! They come with strawberry jalapeño sorbet! It’s sweet and spicy. Kind of like all the women who break my heart. Which is why I go back for more… Come back Veronica! (I don’t actually know anyone named Veronica)
Thank you Xixa staff. You guys were fantastic. I will come back, endure the chairs in the front if I have to and let you serve me whatever you present. (Get the tasting menu, if you’re smart). Thank you to the Unilocal staff, Ruggy, Mel and Jesse. As always thanks to his Grace Peter D. I was excited for the event at Xixa and it did not disappoint in the slightest.

Wow. So I don’t eat meat, and Xixa did not have many options for me. Perhaps 2. Why 5 stars? Because service was amaze-​a-​balls and I think I uploaded 10 different pics of just booze. Tequila for the most part. I’m not a huge tequila fan, but now I am. If I wake up one day and require tequila, I know I’m gonna be taking a walk over the Williamsburg bridge (see separate Williamsburg bridge Unilocal review). I know tequila is popular, so what I’m saying is not ground breaking, but 15+ yrs of boozing and I haven’t had a religious tequila experience, until tonight, so good job Xixa!
Deconstructed Margarita — Amazingly tasty. Great quality tequila used and watching everything melt and come together is fun!
Old Fashioned — Strong! Way Strong! This will definitely put some hair on your chest.
Red Wine — I didn’t get the name of it, but the server said it was similar to a Pinot Noir. It was rich and had a nice viscosity to it.
Tequila shots with fruit purée — I had the carrot, strawberry, and green melon. All were awesome, The green melon was my favorite I think.
Tequila shot with wasabi cucumber chaser — This was my favorite drink of the night. I could definitely drink these all day! Great tequila and the chaser was so refreshing!
I will definitely be back to Xixa for tequila and to try some of their less meaty options. Xixa has a great vibe to it, nice low lighting and ambiance… totally a great date spot.
Thanks Peter for Hooking Jersey up… Great event! Awesome to meet Nadia, Sophie, Anderson, Michelle, Mateo, and Serit!

Everybody knows how good Traif is, so thankfully everyone now knows how amazing its sister Xixa is.
This was definitely one of the best events I’ve been too, by far: tons of food, great atmosphere, amazing staff, and meeting new Unilocalers — this is as good as an Elite event gets.
Seriously, they must have brought out 15 different items from their completely amazing small plates menu. I’m glad I was there early enough to try one of the best bites of the night which I only saw come out that once, their «Fish & Chips», which consisted of Mahi Mahi on one of the best potato chips I’ve ever tasted in my life.
The other standouts for me were that amazing 18 hour grilled short rib and the carnitas of pork belly and cheeks. The Foie Gras al Pastor kind of sent me over the edge, but I was able to recover in time to try the really delicious dessert, the salty Churros with passionfruit (?) glaze.
This was a truly awesome event. I would definitely love to return to try the few remaining items they didn’t cook up for us tonifgt. Thanks to Peter D. for giving us all a good reason to come out to Williamsburg on a Monday night, it was well worth the trip.