How Ayza Has Created the Best Destination for Wine & Chocolate Pairing in NYC
Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar has proven its staying power with decadent offerings that don’t disappoint. Opening in 2007, the idea for this culinary combo was inspired by the enjoyment owner Zafer Sevimcok and his team had experienced pairing wine with chocolate themselves. “What could be better than wine and chocolate?,” he asks. “These two indulging items can always put you in a good mood. Chocolate and wine are both packed with complex flavor, so it’s a match made in heaven. That’s why we wanted to enhance it by making our place a unique concept.”
That concept, which includes chocolate desserts and drinks, chocolate and wine pairings, as well as non-chocolate French-Mediterranean dishes, makes for a diverse menu catering to all palates, and it’s the result of a collaborative effort among the staff. “We have a very talented and creative team at Ayza. We usually have monthly creativity meetings with our chefs and managers to get fresh and new market inspirations for the menu,” explains Sevimcok. “We pull inspiration from all around us: our personal dining experiences, social media, and our very own experimentation of different flavor combinations.”
Chocolate Desserts
That inspiration has translated to classic chocolate desserts ranging from chocolate fondue and chocolate-covered strawberries to innovative offerings such as the chocolate pizza featuring a toasted pita topped with signature chocolate hazelnut sauce, strawberry, banana, and hazelnut crumble. Guests also enjoy a host of individual chocolate selections from Cioccolada; an enticing range of bonbons from Jacques Torres; and Xocolatti chocolate slates accompanied by dried fruits and spices. “As for the chocolates and desserts, quality and uniqueness is must,” says Sevimcok.
Chocolate Drinks
When it comes to chocolate drinks, it’s liquid heaven for chocolate enthusiasts. In addition to several options of chocolate martinis—including almond, raspberry, and espresso (among others)—there’s also a chocolate Manhattan, a spiked hot chocolate, and a chocolate wine. Simultaneously, those seeking more traditional beverages have their choice of multiple Ayza signatures cocktails (sans the chocolate but full of fruits and herbs), such as the Prickly Pear Mezcal. “At Ayza we ensure all of our drinks have great quality ingredients and exciting flavors with a fun and unique look,” says Sevimcok.
Wine
Of course with the word wine as part of the restaurant’s name, there’s plenty of that to be had with the chocolate too. The wine list runs the gamut and includes sparkling selections from champagne to Lambrusco; whites such as Chenin blanc, Vermentino, and Gewürztraminer; reds including malbec, pinot noir, and shiraz; and sweet wines like Fonseca Bin. “The secret behind a great pairing is to create a balance between the flavors of the dish with the different properties of the wine,” notes Sevimcok. “We do a lot of research alongside our very knowledgeable sommeliers to find the right quality wines and chocolates from impeccable local chocolatiers. One of our chocolatiers is Indian American, and he incorporates decadent Indian spices and flavors into his chocolates. Some of our favorites are the Mango Paprika and Saffron Nut Chiki, and you’ll find these fun flavors in one of our White Out wine and chocolate pairings.” (That pairing, by the way, comes with a wine flight of riesling and moscato d’Asti.)
Staying on Trend
At Ayza, Sevimcok says that the team continually tries to keep up to date with new fun trends while still staying true to their timeless flavors and aesthetics, which includes fresh ingredients above everything else. “During the summer months, the dishes on the menu will consist of a lot of seasonal fruits and fresh seafood. The cocktails will also have complimentary fruity, refreshing flavors. For example, our Chef Spritzer and Melon Mules are always a hit with our guests,” he says. “Come visit us in the summer and you’ll be greeted with a complimentary sample of our fruity sangria. Visit us in the chilly winter months, and you’ll start your meal off with a warm and fragrant mulled wine sample.”
When it comes to current trends in the chocolate industry, Sevimcok is happy to share what he’s seeing and seems pleased with the direction where things are headed. “Vegan and gluten-free chocolates are becoming very popular and more easily accessible,” he notes. “These options were very limited in the industry a few years ago, but chocolatiers are finding ways to come up with a lot of interesting and delicious flavors from locally sourced markets—which makes our dietary-restricted friends very happy.”
With Ayza’s molly trolley and enclosed garden as relaxing options for seating (in addition to restaurant seats inside), Sevimcok remains excited to invite all chocolate lovers to enjoy their spaces—indoors and out—and to taste the full menu of options, which is something true chocolate lovers will want to indulge in.