The Hidden Cafe

"“Last year, two of the chefs behind Broke Ass Cooks launched Michoz, a pop-up that draws on the chefs’ Peruvian and Eritrean backgrounds. They used to offer a pollo a la brasa meal with perfectly-grilled, tender chicken I could pull apart with my fork, and sides of fried yucca sticks, aji amarillo sauce, and a crunchy onion and pepper salad. I’ve been hard-pressed to find better chicken since. And if it was any indication of the magical things this duo is doing with their dishes, I have high hopes for their new tray of chicken stew, red lentils, stewed collard greens, and injera. Every weekend, you can pick up food at The Hidden Cafe in Berkeley, or order for delivery if you live in the East Bay. Pre-orders typically start a week in advance, and are usually announced on Instagram.” - JC" - Julia Chen 1, Lani Conway

"Every Sunday, you can walk up to The Hidden Cafe to order bagels, schmear, and bagel sandwiches by Hella Bagels. They pop up there from 9am-12pm - but if you’d rather order for delivery, you can do that too (orders open at noon on Sundays for delivery during the week here)." - Julia Chen 1

"After their jerk chicken pop-up Broke Ass Cooks was shut down last September, Bilal Ali and Keone Koki started another pop-up called Michoz, focusing on Peruvian grilled chicken. They’ll be changing up their menu soon, so get their pollo a la brasa set while you can. The grilled chicken - which is marinated in aji panca, beer, and spices - is unbelievably juicy and tender. I have never had better chicken in my life. The set also comes with crispy fried yucca sticks, aji amarillo sauce, a tub of warm chicken “tea,” and a crunchy onion and grilled pepper salad. How to order: Michoz operates out of The Hidden Cafe in Berkeley on Saturdays and Sundays (you can pick up there, or have your chicken delivered if you’re in the East Bay). Orders usually open online about a week in advance, but check their Instagram for updates." - Julia Chen 1

"Since then, Ali and Koki have rebooted the pop-up to operate out of Berkeley’s Hidden Cafe under a new name: Michoz." - ByEmily Wilson

"Hidden Café was my favorite dining surprise of 2019. This charming spot opened this year in a historic building on the edge of Strawberry Creek Park in Berkeley. The owners are three friendly artist-types (the chef is a poet), who’ve created this oasis where they serve tasty and thoughtfully sourced snacks and drinks." - Eater Staff