Annie Shi, the co-owner of the West Village's cozy nook King and its sibling restaurant Jupiter, is venturing out on her own with a new wine bar set to make its debut in Chinatown. In an area already pulsating with culinary gems like Chinese Tuxedo and Nom Wah, Shi plans to weave her magic at the former locale of Doyers Oldtown, located at 15-17 Doyers Street. In a statement obtained by Eater, Shi shared that her forthcoming wine bar will have a focus on Chinese cuisine, drawing from her personal background; the first-generation New Yorker has roots in Shanghai and Dalian, as revealed in a prior interview with Cherry Bombe.
Despite her parents' initial reservations about her entering the hospitality industry, Shi has made a pronounced mark in New York's restaurant scene. Bringing a history of financial expertise from London and a self-taught sommelier's palate, she commandeered the front of house and wine list at King since its opening in 2016, something the New York Times lauded her for just two years later. While remaining a partner at King and Jupiter, Shi's new wine bar, which has yet to be christened, is her alone project, a path also taken by her collaborator Clare de Boer, who opened Stissing House upstate. The wine bar is expected to open this coming summer and is already building anticipation for its curated pairing of natural wine with Chinese dishes.
Shi's appreciation for the finer details in cuisine and dining extends into her personal life too. After her engagement, Shi and her husband Sean, both wine enthusiasts, expressed their shared passion for supporting local businesses and artisans when outfitting their abode. They utilized their wedding fund to procure an array of cookware and homeware that includes ceramics and a unique Taiwanese cleaver crafted from reclaimed artillery shells. In a feature by New York Magazine's The Strategist, Shi mentioned their desire to "put our money towards supporting local businesses and artists and entrepreneurs that we love," showcasing a personal investment in the community that mirrors her professional one.
As Shi embarks on running her first solo venture, her past experiences with King, which expanded to include Jupiter in 2022, provide a strong foundation. Her transition from finance to front-of-house management has been shaped by a focus on craftsmanship and an understanding of the relationship between food and drink. With anticipation surrounding the opening of her new wine bar, Shi is set to contribute to the evolving dining scene on Doyers Street while incorporating elements of her heritage.
