Richard D.
Yelp
You've been at a food truck or noshed at some bar in an Asian neighborhood and eaten some glorious snack that later you can't remember the name of, right? That's what is on the menu at BiXi. Chef Serena Bass (of Lido two doors down) has turned her attention to bar food inspired by the Asian diaspora: bao, ban mi, katsu, cold noodles, tempura, summer rolls, won tons, pot stickers, tandoori chicken, etc.
BiXi isn't a place for Asians to cure being homesick, creative nods to Ms. Bass' culinary ancestry are noted. The ban mi is on bread closer to focaccia than baguette, katsu should be served more often as sliders as they are here. Asian food lovers won't be insulted. The menu respects it's inspirations and the kitchen has been schooled.
The cocktail menu gets as much attention as the food menu. There is no well liquor at BiXi. If you want Old Grand Dad I think they have that across the street at that loud Applebee's clone on the corner. At BiXi you find artisanal mezcals, tequiilas, gins, world whiskeys, and vodkas mixed with yuzu lemonade, thai peppers, brandied fruits, and tropical fruits. No drink umbrellas, though.
BiXi gives this neighborhood something it hasn't had since Jado Sushi closed years ago (about three blocks downtown): a good Asian dine-in spot with food meant to be paired with adult beverages. As others have noted, this is a lounge first and foremost, a place for people in the neighborhood to live their social lives. The decor is comfy and warm, very aware of it's Harlem locale. Rich and warm colors greet you in every direction.
It gets four stars instead of five because there's work to be done to refine the space and the menu. BiXi is a new restaurant operated by highly experienced and successful restaurateurs, to be sure, but it still needs to get its feet under it here and there. It will get better and I want to be able to give it another star later on!
BiXi is cozy, dark, a little sexy when it wants to be, just like the people you'll meet there. Visit soon.