Think pan-Asian and you think sake. But what about a glass of Slovanian Muscat or a
bottle of Californian Nebbiolo? Thanks to Randall Restiano, Haiku’s wine director, who studied at the Sommelier Society of America, there’s a wide range of interesting vintages to choose from. In other words, you can sit in the cozy lounge or dine under the rainbow-colored chandeliers of the dining room and sample from among 16 glasses of wine and 40 bottle offerings. The wines, separated by flavor profile and body weight, are by turns traditional, organic, sustainable, or biodynamic, and focused on food-pairings, meaning there’s definitely something to go with your spicy noodles or sushi. Ask Restiano his favorite and you’ll get a different answer depending on his mood (or time of year). For the best value, he suggests the 2009 Torrontes from Loca Linda in Argentina. For a “wow,” he suggests the Bodegas Chacra Pinot Noir from Patagonia, an amazing red that pairs unbelievably with the delicate cuisine. Getting thirsty? No worries. The wine program, which started at the Scarsdale location, will be included in White Plains later this year and selected wines at the other Haiku restaurants.
