By: P.T., STA
The first Slovenia-themed restaurant in New York has recently been opened in Amsterdam Avenue in the West Side of Manhattan, offering interpretations of classic Slovenian cuisine along with seasonal New American cuisine.
Pekarna is a Slovenian-American restaurant, cocktail bar and event venue conceptualised by Australian-born engineer Dean O’Neill.
While a grand-opening is yet to be publicly announced, Pekarna has already welcomed first guests. The restaurant’s website says that it is currently in a soft-opening phase with a shortened schedule.
“The menus bring together thoughtful interpretations of classic Slovenian cuisine along with seasonal New American cuisine that will provide a familiar choice to enjoy our menus,” the website adds.
The executive chef is Kamal Hoyte, who has worked at several New York restaurants, while the dessert chef is Alma Rekić, who is known for her appearances in the Master Chef Slovenia show.
The two-level restaurant features a main dining room, cocktail bar, three lower-level private banquet rooms and a garden.
It opened in the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic as many restaurants in New York are closing their doors.
“With the changing times we need to do things differently. We do it together as a community in order to share the load of rebuilding our energetic city,” said the owner Dean O’Neill.
“Pekarna is working on new practices and changing the way a restaurant operates with one goal in mind, a safe place to enjoy food, drinks and atmosphere,” he added.