“My gang and I dove into six of the options, all sized small, all gooey, all damn tasty. Each of the dishes was baked to perfection, with the insides hot and melty and the top brown and crispy. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to get an order, but every one is made fresh. My favorite of the ones we sampled was the “Mac lobsta’” ($8.99). It surprised me due to its unbelievable lightness, explained by the use of mascarpone cheese instead of a classic cheddar or fontina. Because of the mild nature of the cheese, the freshness of the lobster chunks really came through, and mixed with tarragon and cognac, the flavors eased together to create a rich and delicious combo.”

Peacefood Cafe in Upper West Side (West Side Spirit/Our Town)

“A dining experience can be many things, but rarely does it prove comical by nature. I don’t mean rolling on the floor laughing because your waiter is really a comedian or the counter person does improv, but the kind of humor one looks back on with a groan of disbelief, as if to say, “Did that really happen?”
The service at Peace Food café invokes these feelings, and if the vegan and raw food menu didn’t offer up several culinary gems, I would advise you to avoid the madness. It started with a glass of water.”

Passing the Bar: Der Schwarze Kolner (New York Press)

“Can you have a biergarten without the garten? It appears so at Der Schwarze Kolner, one of the newest players in the biergarten craze that seems to be replacing the understandably tired speakeasy trend.

This Fort Greene bar adds to the neighborhood’s already full dance card of establishments from dive bars like the Alibi (full disclosure: I tend bar there on occasion), sports bars like Mullanes, wine bars like Stonehome and even the hood’s own “secret” bar,The Hideout. So, if Der Schwarze Kolner can’t offer a garden to drink in, what does it bring to the already bar-saturated area? Beer. Glorious German beer.”