Shokolad is a new family-run Ukrainian bakery and cafe on the Humboldt/Ukrainian Village border (appropriately enough) that has been winning praise on Yelp for its pastries and borscht.
The bakery’s pastries aren’t explicitly Ukrainian in origin, but they certainly have a Eastern European bent, and are prepared on site. Yelpers have approved of their fruit tarts ($4.25-$5), and the Dish has shouted out the Opera Cake ($4.25 a slice). They also make crepes, including a Ukranian Sweet Cheese version with sweetened farmer’s cheese and blueberry sauce ($6.50).
As for the savory, there are plenty of standard sandwich options, but why not try the somewhat cultural roast beef panini with caramelized onion, horseradish cream and gruyere ($6.99), or just give into the obvious and get a bowl of borscht ($3.00). You could get a cup of Umbria coffee to go with it, but why not try Russian Black tea ($1.75 for large).
The place has only been open six weeks, but we haven’t heard a negative word yet. Could be a keeper!
Shokolad [MenuPages]
[Photo: arty borscht, bradsukala/flickr]
