Published: June 23, 2010

Wine, Chocolate, Angry Chicken Lollipops: Something for Everyone at New York's Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar

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Take a slightly off-the-grid restaurant location, appoint it with a sleek décor by a top designer, and offer an exotic selection of cheeses, chocolates, wines and global tapas and what do you get? A cross between a bistro and a private club -- and a loyal clientele of in-the-know New Yorkers. Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar (11 West 31st Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway) takes the concept of small plates and big flavors to a new level with a stylish approach that acts and thinks like modern-day Manhattan.

"There aren't many places in New York City that you can randomly drop into and have your pick of over 100 wines and specialty cocktails, 15 gourmet cheeses and charcuterie items, dozens of appetizers and affordable entrees plus an exotic chocolate menu by Jacques Torres," Kate Zingel, a frequent patron of Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar. "It's a comfortable space that feels right all day long or way past dinner -- and that's hard to pull off. But it works and attracts a great crowd. I'm a big fan."

The owners of Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar set out to create a modern brasserie that felt and acted like a sophisticated restaurant. Clearly, they have achieved their goal, as evidenced by the sophisticated clientele that have become regulars for weekday lunch, Monday night live Jazz, a classy Tuesday 'Girls Night Out,' and a popular Sunday Couples' Night.

Word of mouth has been the driving force behind packed nights and rave reviews, but the restaurant has taken a rather novel approach to promoting Ayza in as many sustainable ways as possible. "We avoided taxicab promotion because of the carbon footprint," Zafer Sevimcok, a spokesperson for the restaurant. "We've been using pedicabs for our street branding and it's been amazingly effective. We also don't print handout flyers that end up in a waste can and instead have relied on digital promotion. Our guests appreciate the many details that make up the Ayza experience, including our eco-friendly approach and our weekly promotions."

In a city of fickle diners, overnight sensations and weekly new food trends, the 'winners' are the restaurants that consistently deliver innovation and quality -- and the customers that recognize both and keep coming back. Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar is a sizzling star in the middle of Manhattan that takes the concept of 'something for everyone' to a new level and is definitely worth a try. Visit http://www.ayzanyc.com/ for menus, promotions and photographs of the striking interior by renowned architect Richard Bloch, designer of Le Bernardin, Masa, Sony Club and other noted New York City restaurants.