"Pekarna is an ambitious bi-level restaurant opening on the Upper West Side for indoor dining. Owner Dean O’Neill aims to showcase a blend of Slovenian-American foods in a sprawling space across two buildings at 592 and 594 Amsterdam Avenue. The 6,500 square feet venue covers two floors and includes private and public event spaces. The menu, crafted by executive chef Kamal Hoyte with consultation from Slovenian chef Alma Rekić, features dishes like truffle matzo ball soup and a Slovenian apple pie. The restaurant also offers over 20 cocktails and plans for outdoor dining and takeout as it navigates pandemic-related challenges." - Erika Adams