Almost every day there is something new and exciting on the menu at Panorama of My Silence-Heart Café, but patrons have grown to expect other pleasant surprises, such as a man hastily peeling kiwis, balancing endlessly on a medicine ball or using chopsticks to shovel jelly into his mouth. More than 40 Guinness Book of World Records entries have been established in this vegetarian eatery, located in a hilly, suburban section of Jamaica Hills. Owner Ketan Goldman is a disciple of Sri Chinmoy, a guru and sitar player who lived in the area from the 1960s until his death in 2007 and promoted self-transcendence through extreme physical acts as well as meditation, kindness and compassion. One of Chinmoy’s final desires was that Goldman spread good will by opening a restaurant named after one of his favorites quotes with a peaceful atmosphere featuring his music, fresh flowers and comfortable spaces to meditate. The delicious soy mock meat entrées, baked goods and wide array of Irving Farm coffee beverages (see red velvet latte below) are Goldman’s ideas. “When customers come in, I serve great, healthy food with a positive attitude,” says Goldman, who also organizes poetry readings, live music events and movie-themed Sunday brunches (above photo). “It’s a tangible way of spreading good will.”
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